The present invention relates to pearlescent pigments based on glass flakes which are distinguished by the fact that they have the following layer structure: A) optionally a layer of SiO2, B) a high-refractive-index coating have a refractive-index n>1.8 which essentially consists of TiO2, C) a low-refractive-index layer comprising SiO2 and/or Al2O3 and optionally D) an outer protective layer, and to the use thereof in paints, coatings, automobile paints, powder coatings, printing inks, security printing inks, plastics, ceramic materials, glasses, paper, in toners for electrophotographic printing processes, in seed, in greenhouse sheeting and tarpaulins, as absorbers in the laser marking of paper and plastics, as absorbers for the laser welding of plastics, in cosmetic formulations, for the preparation of pigment pastes with water, organic and/or aqueous solvents, for the preparation of pigment compositions and dry preparations.