A pearlescent pigment, wherein the pigment is an inorganic material and the color of a homogeneous coating of the pigment, measured over a white background, is selected from the group consisting of: a CIELAB L* value of about 30 or less and a chroma value of about 3 or less； a CIELAB hue angle, hab, from about 50 to about 80 degrees, wherein L* is not more than about 85, and the chroma value is greater than 22； a CIELAB hue angle, hab, from about 80 to about 275 degrees, wherein L* is not more than about 80, and the chroma value is greater than about 10； and a CIELAB hue angle, hab, from not less than about 275 to not more than about 50 degrees, wherein L* is not more than about 85, and the chroma value is greater than about 9. The pigments may be used in a variety of applications including cosmetics, plastics, automotive, or architectural coatings.
