At high temperatures it forms a passivation layer of silicon dioxide, protecting it from further oxidation.

The thermal stability of MoSi2 alongside its high emissivity make this material, alongside WSi2 attractive for applications as a high emissivity coatings in heat shields for atmospheric entry.

[3] MoSi2 is a gray metallic-looking material with tetragonal crystal structure (alpha-modification); its beta-modification is hexagonal and unstable.

Molybdenum disilicide heating elements can be used for temperatures up to 1800 °C, in electric furnaces used in laboratory and production environment in production of glass, steel, electronics, ceramics, and in heat treatment of materials.

Their maximum operating temperature has to be lowered in atmospheres with low oxygen content due to breakdown of the passivation layer.