Ferro Corporation has been awarded a patent for a black colored pigment exhibiting improved solar reflectance, the pigment is comprised of a material formed in the presence of an effective amount of a phosphate and in the form of a solid solution having a formula (CrxFeyMez)2On wherein x+y+z=1, n is the number of oxygens required for electroneutrality, Me is at least one metal, and z is less than 0.3, wherein x and y cannot be zero; wherein the material when in a pressed cup form, exhibits an average reflection of less than p20 percent for light having a wavelength between 400 and 600 nm; wherein the material when in a pressed cup form, exhibits an average reflection of greater than 40 percent for light having a wavelength between 1300 and 1600 nm; and wherein the material includes phosphate ions.