Editing Crucible (section)

{{Short description|Container in which substances are heated}}
{{For|the play|The Crucible}}
{{other uses}}
{{Wiktionary}}
[[Image:Czochralski method used crucible 1.jpg|thumb| A modern crucible used in the production of [[silicon]] ingots via the [[Czochralski process]]|400x400px]]
[[File:Copper-crucibles.jpg|thumb|Smaller clay graphite crucibles for copper alloy melting|300x300px]]
A '''crucible''' is a container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures. Although crucibles have historically tended to be made out of [[clay]],<ref>[[John Percy (metallurgist)|Percy, John]]. ''Natural Refractory Materials Employed in the Construction of Crucibles, Retorts, Forunaces &c.'' Metallurgy. London: W. Clowes and Sons, 1861. 208–09. Print.</ref> they can be made from any material that withstands temperatures high enough to melt or otherwise alter its contents.