Abstract: A thermochromic composition comprising:(i) at least one electron-donating organic chromogenic compound,(ii) at least one compound serving as a color developing material and selected from thiourea and derivatives thereof, guanidine and derivatives thereof, benzothiazole, and benzothiazolyl derivatives represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein A is --H, ##STR2## --NR.sub.2, --H.multidot.NR.sub.3 or --CSNR.sub.2 in which R is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl, benzyl optionally substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or cyclohexyl optionally substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, with the proviso that all of R in --NR.sub.2, --H.multidot.NR.sub.3 and --CSNR.sub.2 can not be H, and M is Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Co or Te, and(iii) and at least one compound serving as a desensitizer and selected from the group consisting of alcohols, esters, ketones, ethers, acid amides, carboxylic acids and hydrocarbons.