Pure Cr2O3 refractories and high Cr2O3 bearing refractories are difficult to sinter in oxidizing atmosphere, but they can be sintered easily in carbon embedded conditions. In the latter case it is attributed to the formation of liquid CrO in reducing atmosphere. The thermodynamic calculation shows that the Cr2O3 is reduced by CO at 1 550 ℃ to chromium carbides, which disproves the existence of liquid CrO. This is confirmed by further sintering experiment of the Cr2O3 refractories. Effect of atmosphere on sintering of high Cr2O3 bearing refractories and measures to accelerate the sintering process are discussed based on the experiment and thermodynamic calculation.