A process for producing a low alloy white cast iron is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of selecting one of a group of four alloying elements for a nickel, molybdenum/copper or modified low alloy iron; the four alloying groups consisting essentially, by weight percent of about:Group 1: 2.5 to 4.0% carbon; 0.3 to 0.8% silicon; 0.3 to 0.8% manganese; 0.75 to 2.0% nickel; 0 to 0.75% chromium.Group 2: 3.0 to 4.5% carbon; 0.3 to 0.8% silicon; 0.3 to 1.0% manganese; 0 to 0.8% molybdenum; and 0.3 to 1.0% copper.Group 3: 3.0 to 4.5% carbon; 0.3 to 0.8% silicon; 0.3 to 1.0% manganese; and 0.3 to 0.8% copper; the balance being iron except for incidental impurities commonly found in cast irons; melting the alloy; casting such alloy into moulds to produce the desired product; removing the product from the moulds while its surface temperature is above the transformation temperature of the alloy; and cooling it by quenching into a liquid medium containing water and an organic polymer at a sufficiently high rate to prevent the formation of pearlite but not so high as to generate cracks in the product.