To ensure the color, near-infrared (NIR) reflectance as well as the thermal and chemical stabilities of zinc selenosulfide (ZnS_xSe_1-x) pigment, co-precipitated ZnS_xSe_1-x precursors were in-situ encapsulated with mechanically activated zircon (ZrSiO₄) precursors by homogeneous mixing and subsequent sintering at a lower temperature. The structure, morphology, thermal stability and chromatic property of ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ encapsulated pigment were investigated, and the thermal insulation property of ceramic tiles coated with ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ pigment was evaluated. The results show that mechanical activation can improve the activity and homogeneity of ZrSiO₄ precursor, thus reducing the activation energy of ZrSiO₄ crystallization and facilitating the formation of ZrSiO₄ at a lower temperature. The crystal formation of activated ZrSiO₄ precursors occurs simultaneously with the synthesis of ZnS_xSe_1-x pigment, and ZrSiO₄ grains are formed in-situ on the pigment particle surfaces. ZrSiO₄ grains gradually grow up and densely encapsulate ZnS_xSe_1-x pigment during subsequent sintering at a lower temperature (i.e., 700 ℃). The ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ encapsulated pigment possesses the superior chromatic property, thermal and chemical stabilities as well. Compared to white ceramic tiles, ceramic tiles coated with ZnS_xSe_1-x@ZrSiO₄ pigment absorb less NIR radiation (energy), thus exhibiting a lower surface temperature and a good thermal insulation property.