Abstract: A metallic iron-containing starting material such as iron filings, iron powder or a reduced ore such as ilmenite is oxidized with air in the presence of 5 to 40% of iron oxide and/or iron oxide hydroxide nuclei and about 2.5 to 200% of an electrolyte, percentages being based on metallic iron by weight. The oxidation is effected in aqueous suspension at 75.degree. to 100.degree. C and a pH of 4 to 6.5. If the nuclei are magnetite-free, at least the first quarter of the oxidation should be at pH 5 to 6.5. Preferred electrolytes are transition metal salts. The pigments are more intense in color and have a more pronounced blue tinge.