Physicomechanical properties of periclase-spinelid ceramics, in particular, the softening temperature under load and compressive strength, are shown to be controlled by the granular composition of the native ferriferous chrome spinelid. At relatively low concentration of CaO (0.51 -0.88 wt.%), SiO 2 (0.53 -1.33 wt.%), and ratio CaO/SiO 2 = 0.38 -1.36, the incipient deformation temperature under load does not exceed 1700°C.