Ceramic surface can be coated with a metal or metal alloy and have extraordinary holding power between the surface and coating. For example, MgTTZ can be coated with CPT and may have a static shear strength for the coated surface of at least about 2,000 or 3,000 or 5,000 or 7,000 pounds or greater. The coated ceramic may be a prosthetic surgical load bearing implant.