Y 2O 3 admixed to 123 significantly influences the mechanism of melt texturing of YBCO. Based on phase diagram considerations, it is shown that the process window for stable growth conditions can be considerably increased. Furthermore, a lower process temperature ( T a=960°C to 985°C) becomes possible. Samples have been grown by both directional solidification and zone melting techniques. The superconducting properties are determined by local and integral levitation force measurements.