The present invention relates to intensely coloured and light-stable effect pigments based on transparent, undoped SiO2 flakes, which are distinguished by the fact that they are covered with an iron-oxide layer having a thickness of 30-150 nm, and all SiO2 flakes have an identical thickness, and the thickness of the SiO2 flakes is 250-400 nm, and to the use thereof in pigment mixtures, in cosmetic formulations and for colouring foods and pharmaceutical products.