A melter assembly supplies a charge of molten source material to a crystal
forming apparatus for use in forming crystalline bodies. The melter
assembly comprises a housing and a crucible located in the housing. A
heater is disposed relative to the crucible for melting solid source
material received in the crucible. The crucible has a nozzle to control
the flow of molten source material such that a directed flow of molten
source material can be supplied to the crystal forming apparatus at a
selected flow rate.