Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a silica-based crucible material that includes, before sintering or firing, selected amounts of a thermal expansion stabilizer component (B2O3 and Ca2SiO4) which impart improved thermal shock resistance and enhanced ability to withstand repeated thermal cycling, to a sintered or fired crucible made of the material. An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a crucible material whose chemical composition comprises, in weight %, about 91% to about 98% SiO2, about 1% to about 8% thermal stabilizer component, and up to about 1.0% of additional oxides including MgO, Al2O3 Fe2O3, CaO and ZrO2.