An ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-receiving layer, the ink jet recording element containing finely divided particulate material and a metal(oxy)hydroxide complex, M.sup.n+(O).sub.a(OH).sub.b(A.sup.p-).sub.c.xH.sub.2O, wherein M is at least one metal ion; n is 3 or 4; A is an organic or inorganic ion; p is 1, 2 or 3; and x is equal to or greater than 0; with the proviso that when n is 3, then a, b and c each comprise a rational number as follows: 0.ltoreq.a<1.5; 0