A silica crucible is made in a mold cavity of the type in which ambient atmosphere can be drawn through silica grain in the cavity. In one embodiment, a silica grain layer is formed in the mold cavity and gas, which may comprise helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, or a mixture thereof, is introduced into the mold cavity. The silica grain layer is heated while substantially no ambient atmosphere is drawn through the silica grain. Thereafter, at least a portion of the silica grain layer is fused while drawing ambient atmosphere through the silica grain. The gas displaces air in the mold cavity thereby reducing nitrogen oxides and ozone.