A silver halide emulsion comprising at least one gold-containing compound represented by composition formula (1): [Au(0)Lm]Xn (1) wherein Au(0) is an Au atom having a valence of zero, L is a compound having at least one group capable of being adsorbed to or coordinating with Au(0), m is a value of 0 or more including decimals, X is an ion required for neutralizing electric charge of the compound, and n is a value of 0 or more including decimals.