Black plate-shaped ferrite composite particles with magnetoplumbite structure, particle size of 0.01 to 0.2 &mgr;m are surface coated with an organosilicon compound(s) and a carbon black coating is applied over the organosilicon coating layer. Optionally, a coating of silicon or aluminum oxide or hydroxide is provided on the surface of the black plate-shaped composite particles and below the organosilicon layer. The particles have a high blackness and when applied to a non-magnetic substrate with a binder resin to form a magnetic medium provide low light transmittance, low surface resistivity and a smooth surface.