Ceramic proppants are small, durable particles used in the oil and gas industry to support fractures in rock formations during hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Made from high-strength materials like alumina and silica, they help keep fractures open, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely to the surface. These proppants are preferred over traditional materials like sand due to their superior strength and resistance to crushing under pressure. Their use enhances the efficiency of extraction processes, making them a vital component in modern energy production techniques.