The microstructure of an as-cast 26.6% chromium white iron was characterised in terms of its phase constituents. The complimentary techniques of XRD and electron microscopy have revealed a slight difference in lattice parameter with chemical analysis between primary and eutectic austenite. The cored nature of the eutectic carbides suggests that this alloy has a long freezing range before complete solidification from the liquid state. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.