Methods of forming a colored ceramic body or dental article are described that include: (a) forming a body from a ceramic-containing powder (b) shaping the body into a desired shape and (c) firing the shaped body in an atmosphere comprising at least one coloring agent. Methods of forming a fully dense ceramic body that lacks discoloration, are also described which include: (a) forming a body from a ceramic-containing powder (b) shaping the body into a desired shape (c) placing the shaped body in a firing atmosphere containing at least one impurity that promote discoloration of the ceramic body (d) placing the ceramic body in proximity to an atmosphere powder and (e) firing the shaped body in proximity to an atmosphere powder wherein the atmosphere powder acts as at least one of a barrier and a getter for the at least one impurity.
