In an aspect, a composition comprises a plurality of magnetic particles. The magnetic particles each independently comprise a nickel ferrite core having the formula Ni1−xMxPe2+yO4, wherein M is at least one of Zn, Mg, Co, Cu, Al, Mn, or Cr; x is 0 to 0.95, and y=−0.5 to 0.5; and an iron nickel shell at least partially surrounding the core, wherein the iron nickel shell comprises iron, nickel, and optionally M. In another aspect, a method of forming the magnetic particles comprises heat treating a plurality of nickel ferrite particles in a hydrogen atmosphere to form the plurality of magnetic particles having the iron nickel shell on the nickel ferrite core. In yet another aspect, a composite can comprise the magnetic particles and a polymer.