This invention is to provide a novel quinizarin compound which has a quinizarin structure represented by a following formula (1) having one to four of the 5, 6, 7, and 8 positions and at least either the 6 or 7 position formed of at least one member selected from the class consisting of secondary amino groups, alkylthio groups, and optionally substituted phenylthio groups, and having the remaining positions thereof formed of at least one member selected from the class consisting of hydrogen atom, halogen atoms, amino group, hydroxy group, alkoxy groups, and optionally substituted phenoxy groups, a method for the production thereof, and a dye, an electrophotographic grade color toner composition, a thermal-transfer recording sheet, an optical recording medium, an ink jet grade ink composition and a color filter severally comprising the quinizarin compound. ##STR1##