Abstract: Method and apparatus for suspending a seed crystal over a fixed crucible containing a melt from a rotary and axially operable vertically disposed drive adaptor comprising the steps of forming a tubular receptacle adapted to be detachably secured at its upper end coaxially to the adapter, and having an internal bore formed therein with an internal step near its lower end for supporting the seed. The seed is formed in the shape of a cylinder of a diameter to pass axially through the stepped bore of the receptacle and having its upper end conically tapered downwardly and inwardly from the upper end thereof. A split sleeve is formed to be receivable downwardly within the internal bore of the tubular receptacle except as limited by the internal steps of the bore of the receptacle. The sleeve has an internal conical taper complimentary to the taper of the upper end of the seed about which it is disposed before insertion of the seed and sleeve within the bore of the receptacle.