The present invention provides biocidal ceramic compositions incorporating bioactive ionic species that are chemically bound in a substantially single-phase, crystalline, [NZP]-type structure, methods for producing the crystalline structures, and articles of manufacture incorporating the crystalline structures, and uses of the articles of manufacture. Bioactive ionic species can be, but are not limited to, Ag, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Sn, Co, H, and combinations thereof.