It is an object to provide an ink that forms an image which is superior in color developability, has high environmental gas resistance, and further has superior bronze resistance. The ink comprising at least a coloring material is wherein the coloring material comprises a compound represented by a following general formula (I) or a salt thereof; the coloring material comprises a compound represented by a following general formula (I) or a salt thereof; and the maximum absorption wavelengths obtained by measuring an absorbance of a liquid prepared by diluting 2,000 times the ink with 90 mass % of N,N-dimethylformamide aqueous solution are respectively in a range of 580 nm or more and 640 nm or less and in a range of 650 nm or more and 700 nm or less; and a ratio B/A of 0.75 or more and 0.90 or less, wherein A is an absorbance at a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 580 nm or more and 640 nm or less, and B is an absorbance at the maximum absorption wavelength in a range of 650 nm or more and 700 nm or less. ##STR00001##