Hessian crucible

A Hessian crucible is a type of ceramic crucible that was manufactured in the Hesse region of Germany from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance period.

Millions of the vessels were exported throughout Europe, Scandinavia, and the colonies in the Americas.

The crucibles were made by firing kaolinitic clay at temperatures greater than 1100°C, forming mullite.

Mullite is an aluminum silicate only described in the 20th century and is responsible for the excellent properties of the Hessian crucible.

[1][2] Main production centre of the Hessian crucibles was the village of Großalmerode.