Operating characteristics of a superconducting niobium resonator depend on thermal properties of the material. Main factors effecting resonator characteristics are the impurity content, crystal structure and continuity of niobium. The analysis of literature has revealed the technological process features that determine a temperature distribution in the resonator wall. The influence of thermal, chemical, and mechanical processing on resonator characteristics is considered. A new trend of research is offered, which will allow the resonator quality to be improved.