An inorganic binder for the production of ceramic, glass ceramic and other mineral materials and composite materials comprises at least one inorganic compound having a mean particle size of <100 nm and at least one solvent. The inorganic compounds are preferably compounds selected from the group consisting of the chalcogenides, the carbides and/or the nitrides. Further preference is given to the mean particle size being <50 nm, in particular <25 nm. The solvent is, in particular, a polar solvent, especially water.