[en] The development of a process for coating alumina crucibles with MgO protective coat in a two-step slip casting operation is described. The best milling conditions for the alumina used were wet ball milling for 24 hr. MgO had to be calcined at 1200⁰C to minimize hydration. Optimum slip casting conditions for alumina and magnesia were found to be L/S I and pH 3-6 or 9-II for the former, and L/S 3 (alcohol) and pH 8.5-10 for the latter. Sintering of Al₂O₃ and MgO in the temperature range 1150-500⁰C was investigated. Additions of NiO and MgO lowered the sintered densities at lower temperatures but improved the densification at 1500⁰C. Near theoretical density Al₂O₃ and MgO crucibles were obtained. A two-step slip casting technique was developed to coat Al₂O₃ with MgO. Certain slow firing schedules could eliminate the otherwise observed coat-crucible separation and cracks. (author)