A refractory oxide coated fiber is provided including a primary fiber material and a refractory oxide coating over the primary fiber material. Further, a method of making a refractory oxide coated fiber is provided, which includes: providing a first precursor-laden environment, the first precursor-laden environment including a primary precursor; promoting fiber growth within the first precursor-laden environment using laser heating; and providing a second precursor-laden environment to promote coating of the fiber, the second precursor-laden environment comprising a refractory oxide precursor, and the coating producing a refractory oxide coating over the fiber with a hexagonal microstructure.