Abstract: A magnetic recording medium using a nonmagnetic interlayer in between a Cr-base underlayer and a Co magnetic layer is disclosed. The nonmagnetic interlayer comprises Co1−&agr;−&bgr;−&ggr;−&zgr;Cr&agr;X&bgr;Y&ggr;Z&zgr;. X is a material selected from Ni or Fe so as to substitute a portion of Cr composition. Y is a material selected from materials which can form a solid solution with at least one of list materials consisting of Ni, Fe, Co, and Cr. The Y materials added in the interlayer is to adjust the lattice mismatch of interface between the interlayer and the underlayer to a magnitude so that the interlayer formed on the underlayer at least is a texture layer, an epitaxial layer is best preferred. However, Z is a material which is insoluble with any of above list materials, Cr, Co, X, and Y in a solid state so as to form precipitates, thereby inhibiting the grain growth. In a preferred embodiment, the &agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;, and &zgr; are about 25-41%, 0.1-5%, 0.1-5%, and 0.