. " optical recording medium, it is preferable for the recording layer to contain a phase change material represented by a general formula: (SbxTe1-x)1-yMy where M is an element other than Sb and Te, x is equal to or larger than 0.55 and equal to or smaller than 0.9 and y is equal to or larger than 0 and equal to or smaller than 0.25." . . .