The present invention relates to silver-colored effect pigments having a strong sparkle effect based on Al2O3 flakes and to the use thereof in paints, button pastes, automotive paints, automotive refinish paints, powder coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, paper, for coating seed, in security applications, as dopant for the laser marking of plastics and papers, as additive for the laser welding of plastics, in cosmetic formulations and for the preparation of pigment preparations and dry preparations.