The present invention relates to an unfired refractory brick for use in reducing conditions at temperatures above 1800 DEG F. The brick comprises a matrix of alumino-silicate clays, alumino-silicate-aggregates and high alumina aggregates. It also has 2 to 20% by weight of finally ground silicon carbide and 2 to 20% by weight of fine carbon particles distributed throughout the matrix. The matrix also includes a water soluble ammonium lignin sulphonate as a chemical binding agent. The brick of the present invention finds particular use in a furnace for kiln baking anodes used in the electrolytic production of aluminum metal.
