# Casting crucibles: types, uses and care

> The crucible is the heat-resistant vessel where metal is melted; types (graphite, ceramic, silicon carbide), how to choose one and how to care for it.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/casting-crucibles/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-31
- Updated: 2026-07-31
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/crisoles-de-fundicion/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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The crucible is the vessel in which metal is melted before being poured into the mold. It has to withstand very high temperatures and not react with the metal.

## Types of crucible

- **Ceramic or fused quartz:** for melting gold and silver with a torch; discarded when they crack.
- **Graphite and silicon carbide:** withstand heat and thermal shock; the usual choice for furnaces and larger quantities.
- **Boron nitride (coating):** reduces metal sticking to the walls.
- **Clay-graphite:** for large castings of bronze and base metals.

## How to choose

Choose the capacity according to the weight of metal you will melt (with a margin) and use a separate crucible for each type of metal to avoid contaminating alloys. The size must allow the flame or furnace to heat all the metal.

## Use

1. Preheat the crucible slowly, because moisture causes cracks.
2. Add the metal and the flux (such as borax, which helps remove oxides).
3. Melt with a torch or in the [furnace](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-oven/) until the metal is liquid.
4. Hold it with the [crucible tongs](https://www.711grados.com/en/crucible-tongs/) to pour.

## Care

Store them dry and check them before each use: a crack can break under heat. Graphite crucibles oxidize with use at high temperatures, so they wear out over time.

## See also

- [Jewelry oven](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-oven/)
- [Crucible tongs: what they are for and how to use them](https://www.711grados.com/en/crucible-tongs/)
- [Graphite ingot molds and rods in casting](https://www.711grados.com/en/graphite-ingot-molds-and-rods/)
- [Metal ingots and casting grain](https://www.711grados.com/en/metal-ingots-and-casting-grain/)
- [Casting](https://www.711grados.com/en/casting/)