In order to explore the possibility of rare-earth elements usage in luminescent pyrotechnics, magnesium powder as combustion agent and starch as binder, seven kinds of pyrotechnic composites containing Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy and Yb as oxidants were designed and prepared. The combustion spectra of each pyrotechnic composite were recorded by a transient spectral radiometer.Their spectral distributions were analyzed. Results show that the higher the negative oxygen balance of pyrotechnic composites, the greater the radiation intensity of characteristic spectum.The characteristic radiation spectra distribution region of pyrotechnic composites containing different rare-earth elements is similar. The spectral radiation of pyrotechnic composites containing Eu distributes in red light region.