a method for producing a stable ceramic composition having a surface with a low friction coefficient and high wear resistance at high operating temperatures . a first deposition of a thin film of a metal ion is made upon the surface of the ceramic composition and then a first ion implantation of at least a portion of the metal ion is made into the near surface region of the composition . the implantation mixes the metal ion and the ceramic composition to form a near surface composite . the near surface composite is then oxidized sufficiently at high oxidizing temperatures to form an oxide gradient layer in the surface of the ceramic composition .