A new class of near-infrared (NIR) reflectance pigments based on Co1−xMgxCr2−yAlyO4 (x = 0–1 and y = 0–2) was synthesised using the Pechini-type sol-gel process. The developed powders were characterised by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and colour Commission Internationale del'Eclairage (CIE) 1976 (L*a*b*) colour scales. The XRD patterns revealed characteristic peaks of the spinel structure with good crystallinity. Substitu...