The contact between alpha-SiC crystals and Si-Ge based melts provokes the nucleation of 3C-SiC islands on the crystal surface. Evolution of these islands as a function of various parameters was studied. On both 4H and 6H substrates, it was found that, after nucleation, 3C-SiC islands first enlarge and may form a complete 3C layer under certain conditions. The 3C deposit can then be dissolved by the liquid phase at high temperature or for prolonged contact at relatively moderate temperature. The graphite crucible is proposed to play a central role in these enlargement and dissolution mechanisms by providing extra carbon atoms on the seed surface (enlargement) or provoking thermal induced carbon transport toward the sidewall (dissolution). Several differences between the use of 4H and 6H substrates were also observed. (C) 2009 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.