Method of melting a metallic material such as a metal or or alloy involves the steps of disposing the metal or alloy in a crucible or other melting vessel having an induction coil disposed about an upstanding side wall of the vessel. The side wall comprises graphite and has a side wall thickness not exceeding about 0.50 inch. The induction coil is energized to generate an electromagnetic field effective to heat and melt the metal or alloy in the crucible and having a low enough frequency that the side wall is so transparent (does not suscept) to the electromagnetic field of the induction coil that a solid skull forms on the side wall to separate the melted metal or alloy from the side wall of the crucible.