Preparation of fine particle rare earth orthoferrites

A technique is described for the preparation of fine particle rare earth orthoferrites in a wide range of compositions. These compositions include those containing a single rare earth, multiple rare earths, single and multiple rare earths with excess iron or excess rare earth, and these same combinations with partial substitution of iron with cobalt. The technique is relatively simple and involves a precipitation and decomposition of the precipitate in a muffle furnace.