The present study reports the effect of the fuels: glycine, urea, and citric acid on the optical properties of ceramic pigment Zn0.5Cu0.5Cr2O4, synthesized by solution combustion. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, which showed the formation of the expected phases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used, and the images showed the formation of agglomerates and porous samples. Finally, VIS-spectroscopy, and CIEL*a*b* color-measurements showed the powders are black. The results demonstrated that the synthesis by the combustion reaction was very fast and safe, and that the heat released in the combustion reaction is a function of fuel, releasing more heat with glycine, and less with citric acid. It was observed that the powder is more black with urea and citric acid that with glycine. The optical properties showed that the powders could be used as ceramic pigments.