Rare-earth disilicates (RE 2 Si 2 O 7 ) are investigated for use as oxidation-resistant alternatives to carbon or BN fiber-matrix interphases in ceramic matrix composites (CMC). Dense a, b, c-Y 2 Si 2 O 7 , and c-Ho 2 Si 2 O 7 pellets were formed at 64 MPa and 1050°C-1200°C for 1 h using the field-assisted sintering technique (FAST). Pellet modulus was measured using nanoindentation, and Vickers hardness was measured at loads of 100, 500, and 1000 g. The sliding stress of SCS-0 SiC fibers incorporated in a-, b-, and c-RE 2 Si 2 O 7 matrices were measured by fiber push-out. Deformation of RE 2 Si 2 O 7 after indentation and after fiber push-out was characterized by TEM. Implications of the results for use of RE 2 Si 2 O 7 as a fiber-matrix interphase in CMCs are discussed.