PURPOSE: To obtain a magnetic recording medium excellent in wear resistance and CSS resistance by using a carbon film having ≥2 as the value of intensity ratio B/A (Raman intensity ratio of fluorescence) as a film quality evaluation index as a protective film.

CONSTITUTION: The specific resistance of a film is known as a film quality evaluation index of a protective film 4 with respect to compsn. When the correlation between the specific resistance and B/A is examined, a clear correlation of 1:1 is recognized and specific resistance is regulated to a proper range of about ≥108Ω-cm so as to ensure satisfactory wear resistance. The wear resistance of a DLC protective film can easily be evaluated by measuring the Raman spectrum of the film and calculating B/A value. The objective magnetic recording medium excellent in wear resistance and CSS resistance is obtd. by controlling the film quality of a protective film so that the B/A value is set within a proper range.