A process of manufacturing a chromium alloyed molybdenum silicide portion of a heating element comprising the steps of: forming a mixture of a chromium powder and a silicon powder; reacting the mixture to a reaction product in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of at least 1100? C. but not more than 1580? C.; converting the reaction product to a powder comprising CrSi.sub.2; forming a powder ceramic composition by mixing the powder comprising CrSi.sub.2 with a MoSi.sub.2 powder and optionally with an extrusion aid; forming the portion of the heating element; and sintering the portion of the heating element in a temperature of from about 1450? C. to about 1700? C.; characterized in that the chromium powder and the silicon powder are provided separately to the mixture.