The thermal conductivity of high-purity yttrium oxide with exposed porosity of 1-45% is measured in the temperature range 400-2100 degree C in atmospheres of helium and argon. The thermal conductivity is found to be stable for prolonged (up to 100 h) hold times in a vacuum. For the first time, the behavior of the change in thermal conductivity of a technological refractory upon vacuum evaporation is confirmed in highly pure material.