Abstract: This is an article in the field of ceramics and composites. Attapulgite is an important mineral resource with high utilization value. It is widely used in agriculture, environment, materials, chemical industry, biology, catalysis and other fields. It has abundant reserves in China and has good development prospects. At present, the utilization rate of attapulgite is still low, and a large number of attapulgite has not been effectively developed. This article analyzes and summarizes the current situation of separation, purification and application of attapulgite domestic and abroad.The mineralogical characteristics and crystal structure characteristics of attapulgiteare briefly described. The genetic types, resource distribution, mineral reserves, and ore types and physical and chemical properties of attapulgite are summarized. The current research status of attapulgite separation and purification, the methods and research progress of attapulgite surface modification, the application status of attapulgite in mineral functional materials are inductively described. Based on the current research content, the problems that appeared in the research process are analyzed and new ideas and directions for the research and application of attapulgite are proposed.