Concept:
Spark plugs require a ceramic material that can work at high temperature, has high electrical insulation, good mechanical strength, and good thermal shock resistance.
Step 1: A spark plug is used in an internal combustion engine.
Step 2: The ceramic part of the spark plug acts as an electrical insulator.
Step 3: This insulator must withstand high temperature and high voltage without electrical breakdown.
Step 4: Alumina \((Al_2O_3)\) has:
• high dielectric strength,
• high thermal stability,
• good mechanical strength,
• good corrosion resistance.
Step 5: Because of these properties, alumina is widely used in spark plug insulators.
Therefore, spark plugs are made up of:
\[
\boxed{\text{Alumina}}
\]