PURPOSE: To provide a ceramic composite material improved in the reliability as a structural material or machining tool material.

CONSTITUTION: The objective composite material is such that 1-50wt.% of anisotropic crystal grains consisting of a titanium compound ≥2 in the mean ratio of the major axis to minor axis has been dispersed in ceramic matrix grains ≥10μm in mean diameter. With this composition, the reinforcing effect on the ceramic matrix is enhanced compared to the case for using cubic grains, leading to higher mechanical strength and toughness of the final material. In the case where the matrix ceramic is Al2O3 or Si3N4, the wear resistance required for machining tool can also be secured.