One aspect of the invention relates to a blue shade black pigment composition, containing at least iron oxide, chrome oxide, wherein the ratio of iron to chromium is from about 1:1 to about 5:1 by weight; and manganese oxide. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a blue shade black pigment involving combining iron oxide, chrome oxide, and manganese oxide to form a mixture; heating the mixture to a temperature from about 700° C. to about 1,300° C. for a time from about 1 to about 5 hours; and optionally agitating the heated mixture to provide the blue shade black pigment. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a plastic composition containing a plastic material and a blue shade black pigment composition containing at least iron oxide, chrome oxide, and manganese oxide.