The manufacture of clean steel needs high performance carbon-free bricks for ladle lining. Based on long term application experiences of the prefab Al2O3-MgO blocks, unburnt Al2O3-MgO brick has been developed by pressing a mix of alumina, spinel and magnesia as major raw materials and Al2O3-MgO gel powder as binder. In addition to low open porosity and high strength, the unburnt Al2O3-MgO brick shows superior corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance to the prefab block. Field trials in a 300t steel ladle have indicated the residual lining of unburnt Al2O3-MgO bricks showed smooth surface without large spalling and seldom steel infiltration, consequently longer service life than the prefab blocks. The reliable, unburnt Al2O3-MgO bricks have more advantages of high efficiency, energy-saving and eco-friendly production. It will be one of the best options for ladle lining in the manufacture of high-purity steel.