Colored mesoporous pigments were prepd. by pptn. of SiO from aq. soln. of Na silicate with HCl in presence of methylene blue (I) or rhodamine (II()) (concns. 20-3000 mg/L) and non-ionic surfactants in octane emulsion. After evapn. of octane, washing with MeOH and drying at 105 degrees C for 48 h the pigments were analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD), morphol., microstructure, sp. surface and color characteristics. The I-contg. pigments showed an intensive blue color, monomodal PSD, low polydyspersity, and well developed sp. surface (higher than 300 m(2)/g). The II-contg. pigment showed a polymodal PSD and an ability to agglomeration.