In this paper, a model of material removal in abrasive water jet machining of brittle material is developed, and experimentally evaluated. Abrasive water jet machining proved to yield better material removal rate than other machining techniques for hard and brittle material (alumina ceramics). It was also found that large scale fracture may develop at the exit of the jet from the material. The fracture size was predicted as a function of water jet pressure and size of the hole. Finally, the feasibility of using acoustic emission signals for in-process monitoring of the abrasive water jet machining process is investigated.