The present invention relates to platelet-shaped pigments comprising (a) a
layer obtained by calcination of a layer comprising SiO.sub.z wherein
0.03.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.2.0 and a metal, to a process for the production
thereof, and to the use thereof in paints, text ink-jet printing,
cosmetics, coating compositions, plastics, printing inks and in glazes
for ceramics and glass. The aforementioned process makes available
platelet-shaped pigments having a high degree of planeparallelism and a
defined thickness in the range of .+-.10%, preferably .+-.5%, of the
average thickness.