Abstract: Colored aluminum powder is prepared by immersing finely divided aluminum in a weak alkali solution maintained at a temperature of 50.degree. C. to the boiling point of the solution and having a pH of 8 to 12, said solution containing a salt of iron, nickel, cobalt, zinc or copper, and at least one aliphatic amine having a chelating ability for the metal salt, to form a composite film which consists of a hydrated aluminum oxide and a hydrated oxide of the metal, and separating the aluminum from the solution.