For tribological applications of ceramics, surface temperatures and thermal effects produced in frictional processes are important not only in influencing possible mechanisms of friction, wear, and lubricant film failure but also in initiating protective film formation, e.g., as in tribopolymerization. As part of a continuing combined experimental and theoretical study of surface temperatures generated by friction, the fundamental Greens function approach has been applied to a number of ceramics including those used in tribological applications such as bearings and advanced low heat-rejection ceramic engines. The ceramics examined consisted of (a) alumina, Al2O3, (b) single crystal sapphire, Al2O3, (c) partially stabilized zirconia, ZrO2, (d) tungsten carbide, WC, (e) silicon carbide, SiC, and (f) silicon nitride, Si3N4. In addition, three forms each of silicon carbide and silicon nitride were included in this study, i.e., sintered, hot-pressed, and reaction-bonded.