A process for the chromatographic purification of recombinant human beta -interferon wherein: a) an aqueous solution of recombinant human beta -interferon in unrefined state is contacted with a siliceous solid matrix equilibrated with deionized water and then eluted with appropriated eluant; b) the eluted fractions containing the recombinant human beta -interferon purified according to the stage a) are loaded on a cation exchange resin; thereafter the rhu- beta -interferon adsorbed upon said matrix is eluted with an appropriated eluant. The recombinant human beta -interferon purified in this way is specifically useful as active agent in the production of pharmaceutic preparations suitable for the treatment of viral infections, tumors and as immunomodulators.