Abstract: In a process to produce a synthetic rhombehedral magnetite comprising the steps of:A. Contacting ferrous chloride solution having an Fe.sup.++ concentration of from about 0.9 to 2.4 moles per liter with a stoichiometric amount of carbonate ion;B. heating the mixture to a temperature of from about 70.degree.-90.degree. C.;C. aerating the mixture to oxidize the iron to magnetite having a Fe.sup.++ / total Fe.sup.++ and Fe.sup.+++ ratio of from about 0.25-0.38; andD. recovering the magnetite so produced,the improvement which comprises providing the carbonate in the form of finely divided particles of an average size of less than 3.5 microns.The process wherein said magnetite is calcined at a temperature of from 650.degree.-925.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen to produce alpha ferric oxide is claimed and a synthetic rhombohedral magnetite having a BET surface area of greater than about 13 m.sup.2 /g and an average particle size of less than about 0.08 microns as measures along the long axis is also claimed.