PURPOSE: To obtain good recording characteristics and erasing characteristics in the optical recording medium having a substrate, recording layer and dielectric substance layer by setting the refractive index of the pertinent dielectric substance layer at the value optium for recording, reproducing and erasing.

CONSTITUTION: The dielectric substance layer of the optical recording medium having a substrate, a recording layer and the dielectric substance layer contains at least a chalcogen compd. and silicon (Si). Since the refractive index of the dielectric substance layer can be set at the value optimum for recording, reproducing and erasing, good recording characteristics and erasing characteristics are obtd. The adhesive power between the dielectric substance layer and the recording layer is excellent and the generation of peeling and cracking of the films is obviated. The long-term reliability is thus assured. Further, the repeatability of recording and erasing is good in the case of the optical recording medium which can execute repetitive recording and erasing.