The invention relates to a process for improving the magnetic properties, especially the remanent magnetization, of gamma-iron(III) oxide which can be used advantageously as the magnetic component in magnetic recording media exhibiting reduced print-through. For this purpose, a gamma-iron(III) oxide manufactured according to known processes is heated at temperatures of from 400.degree. to 700.degree. C., the magnetic pigment having basic compounds on the crystal surface during this heat treatment and retaining a pH value above 8 until heating is over. Gamma-iron(III) oxide magnetic pigments treated in this way are particularly suitable for the manufacture of low-noise magnetic recording media with high remanent magnetization and particularly low print-through.