A synthetic fettling material, used for sintering open-hearth furnace bottoms. The approximate composition (variable) is 5.2% silica, 2.1% alumina, 10.5% ferric oxide, 13.4% lime, 66.5% magnesia (ignition loss, 2.3%). Martenite sinters more rapidly than magnesite, thereby reducing repair time; moreover, it is suitable for hot patching. Martenite is as wear resistant as magnesite and has no deleterious effect on the slag.