Ceramic cutting tool with chip control

A ceramic cutting insert for high speed machining comprising:

• a cutting edge,
• a rake face with a chip control groove surface,
• a flank face,
• and wherein said cutting edge is formed at the juncture of said flank face and said rake face;
• said ceramic insert comprising 0.5 to less than 5 volume percent silicon carbide whiskers, 5 to 15 volume percent zirconia, a residue of a magnesia addition added in an amount of zero to 3 volume percent, all dispersed in an alumina matrix;
• and wherein said ceramic insert has a fracture toughness of at least 4.0 MPam.sup.1/2.