This paper presents an experimental study of the turning of a ceramic material - aluminum oxide (A12O3). Emphasis is given to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cutting mechanism. This study explores the utilization of cutting fluids with chemical additives to develop a novel machining process. The machining tests were performed on a CNC lathe. Polycrystalling diamond compact tools were used. The cutting force during machining was measured using an instrumented tool holder as a dynamometer. The surface finish was inspected using a profilometer. SEM technique was used to study the mechanism of the surface formation in microscale. Results from this experimental study provides rich information on the cutting mechanisms during ceramics machining and the chemo-mechanical effects on the machining efficiency.