Ceramic body armor is not inherently fragile but is more brittle compared to other materials commonly used in body armor construction. The hardness and brittleness of ceramic helps it stop rifle calibers and even armor piercing (AP) rounds in certain configurations. Ceramic materials, like alumina or boron carbide, are favored for body armor because of their hardness and how effective they are at dispersing energy from a bullet impact, thereby reducing the risk of injury to the wearer. Ceramic strike faces are used in conjunction with other materials behind it, such as aramid fibers or UHMWPE, to create what is known as “composite armor.” Proper design, testing, and construction techniques help ensure modern ceramic body armor survives drops and is durable enough to withstand any situation.