Abstract: A support crucible includes a central axis, outer radii including longest outer radii defining planes with the central axis, a side wall region having a circumferential direction and a bottom. At least two neighboring segments are separated by joints extending substantially vertically in the side wall region to the bottom and penetrating the bottom. The joints define opposed surfaces of the neighboring segments which always overlap each other in the circumferential direction of the side wall region in an operating state. Each of the surfaces is intersected by a respective one of the planes, at least in the side wall region. According to another embodiment, the joints defining opposed surfaces of the neighboring segments have complementary shapes, the surfaces are formed by cuts beginning at a jacket surface of the side wall region and extending parallel to the central axis and at an angle to the planes, and the cuts extend in a curve to the central axis.