PURPOSE: To provide a heating element which comprises oxide and metal powders and is excellent in temp. control of an object to be heated.

CONSTITUTION: This heating element comprises 43-75wt.% at least either iron oxide powder or copper oxide powder, 22-49wt.% silicon powder, and 3-15wt.% boron powder, has a wt. ratio of oxygen to silicon of 0.2-0.93, is a homogeneous powder mixture or a product made by covering the silicon powder with the oxide and boron powders, and is granules or pellets capable of filling a complicated or thin space. The element has a large heating capacity, exhibits an excellent combustion stability at a small wt., and is applicable to heating to a temp. in a specified range or applicable to heating an object of a complicated shape.