We present a novel route for the synthesis of manganese doped GaN nanoparticles. Nanoparticles in the form of hexagonal discs were synthesized by rapid thermal treatment of manganese doped ammonium hexafluorogallate in ammonium atmosphere. The morphology of GaN:Mn nanoparticles was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. A concentration over 0.7 wt.% of Mn was observed by X-ray fluorescence and electron microprobe. Structural and electronic properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and micro-photoluminescence with excitation wavelength of 325 am and 532 nm. The magnetic properties between 4.5 K and 300 K were investigated by a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. GaN:Mn nanoparticles show a purely paramagnetic behavior which can be interpreted in terms of Mn2+ ions exhibiting an antiferromagnetic interaction. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.