Provided are a composite powder comprising a core particle which is spherical and has a refractive index of from 1.40 to 1.60, and a coating component which is coated on the surface of the core particle in film form and has a refractive index of from 2.00 to 2.90, and a coloring composition containing the composite powder. The composite powder or coloring composition is coated on a coating surface to form a composite powder layer. The composite powder layer causes light interference to exhibit a color on the surface. The composite powder and coloring composition are used in various fields.