This unused crucible was made in Hesse, Germany. The refractory clay fabric (body) peppered with quartz enables the vessel to withstand very high temperatures. The triangular-shaped crucible is the type that was used in testing for gold and other precious metals because a fine stream of liquid could be poured through the corners.

The crucible was found in Pit 1, which was filled ca. 1610. Since it is unused, the crucible may represent the colonists' dashed hopes at finding gold in Virginia.