Abstract: A method of making a composite pigment of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and a silicon compound, in which the resulting composite pigment is endowed with an excellent combination of optical and mechanical properties. Among other things, a PCC/silicate composite pigment made according to this invention imparts increased bulk, light scattering power, porosity and printing properties to paper. The composite pigment material made according to this invention also is very competitive from the standpoint of its production cost. The method for making the composite pigment includes the step of introducing a soluble silicate compound into an aqueous medium containing a precipitate of calcium carbonate formed by carbonation of lime milk, and at a time when the calcium carbonate precipitation reaction has progressed to near completion.