TiO0.61N0.29 was synthesized by annealing of ball milled Ti in air at 900 degrees C for 5 h. In addition, traces of rutile-type TiO1.56N0.56 phases were observed. The morphology of the synthesized powder displayed multiple interesting colours. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were used for characterization of the powders. Raman analyses showed a phase transformation upon annealing in air. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B. V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.