A chromene compound which contains a skeleton represented by the following formula (1) and has high color optical density at the time of exposure, double peak characteristic, little initial coloration, a practical fading speed and durability. (wherein R1 is an electron donor group having a Hammett constant of less than 0, the ring including X is a hetero ring formed together with the 7-position and 8-position carbon atoms, and X is an oxygen atom, sulfur atom or group represented by ═NR2 directly bonded to the 7-position carbon atom.)