In the present study, CuFe2O4 and CuFeCrO4 spinets were synthesized using a method, which makes use of gelatin as an organic precursor in order to assess the applicability as ceramic pigments. Powders resulting from the synthesis process were calcined between 500 and 900 degrees C and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and Colorimetry analysis. Results showed brown color for the CuFeCrO4 spinel and darker colors, from brown to black, for CuFe2O4. This is an interesting finding due to the great importance of black pigments in the ceramic industry. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.