Copper chromite black pigment was prepared from copper nitrate and chromic nitrate using stearic acid as a gelling agent by sol gel self propagating combustion. The effects of raw material ratio on the sol preparation, and calcining temperature and holding time on the formation of copper chromite black crystal were investigated. The precursors prepared were characterized by thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis (TG DTA) and infrared spectroscopic analysis (IR), and the production structures were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy spectrum analysis (ESA) and X ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that, when the molar ratio of copper nitrate to chromic nitrate is 1∶2, the molar ratio of stearic acid to metal slats is 1.25~1.50∶1, and the calcination temperature is 800 ℃ and the holding time is 3 h, the copper chromite black pigment is of high purification, regular crystal form, and smaller particle size and narrow distribution. Its average particle size is about 60~80 nm. The cost of this method is lower than that using citric acid as a gelling agent, and the calcination temperature and energy consumption are lower than the solid state method and the alcohol water co precipitation method.