In order to study the properties of cochineal colors, uv-visible spectra of cochineal colors solution, dyeing properties on the wool in several dyeing conditions and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. UV-visible spectra of cochineal colors solution showed hypochromic effect with the lapse of irradiation time but bathochromic shift with decreasing acidity of solution and addition of metallic ions. The concentration of cochineal colors in wool fiber increased with the increase of dyeing temperature, time, and acidity of initial dyebath. The value of apparent diffusion coefficients and standard affinities of dyeing decreased with the increase of dyeing temperature. The standard heats of dyeing$(Delta{H}^circ)$ and variation of entropy$(Delta{S}^circ)$ increased with the increase of concentration of initial dyebath. The activation energy$(E_a)$ were calculated to be 1.399~2.595kcal/mol in condition of 6~1%(o.w.f) dyebath. Wool fabrics were dyed reddish blue by iron sulfate, copper sulfate, aluminum acetate and tannic acid, and red by tin chloride, respectively. Lightfastness of wool fabrics dyed by cochineal colors were increased by mordant treatment, especially copper sulfate and iron sulfate treatment.