The paper overviews long-term studies into the behavior of metallic (carbides, borides, and nitrides of transition metals), and nonmetallic (boron and silicon carbides, aluminum nitride) refractory compounds as well as composite materials based on them in high-temperature friction in vacuum and air. The friction characteristics (wear rate and friction coefficient) are indicated as a function of temperature in the range from room temperature up to 1000-1400°C. Data of x-ray examination and electron microscopy of friction surfaces are cited. The fracture mechanism for contacting surfaces of materials in friction is considered.