Three calcium alpha-SiAION microstructures-namely, fine-grained, bimodal, and large elongated-were developed using powders of the same composition and then characterized. The evolution of grain size and morphology was determined to be a process of nucleation and growth that could be controlled with a two-step sintering technique. The extent of texture was identified in the as-hot-pressed materials as a function of sintering conditions. Samples with different microstructures exhibited different hardness and fracture toughness. The true hardness was derived from the intrinsic relation between applied loads and indent sizes. The effect of microstructure on hardness and fracture toughness was analyzed.