The use of Al2O3 polycrystalline fibers and whiskers as strengtheners in high-temperature composites is of great interest owing to their high elastic modulus and their thermal and chemical stability. The authors describe in this communication a novel type of crystalline alpha-Al2O3 fiber. These new fibers-termed ribbons by the authors-have a high specific surface area, which, together with their optical properties and low cost, makes them suitable for use as protective films in composites and as crystalline surfaces for other alpha-Al2O3 fiber production methods.