Abstract: In order to provide theoretical basis for the flotation separation of muscovite and quartz, the flotation performance and Zeta potentials of pure muscovite and quartz were investigated using dodecylamine and sodium oleate in the presence of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺.The results indicated that metal ions could increase the Zeta potential of muscovite and quartz, which affected the adsorption between collectors and minerals. When using dodecylamine as the collector, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ could increase the Zeta potential of both minerals, which decreased the electrostatic adsorption strength and depressed their flotation. Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ could change make the Zeta potential of both minerals from negative to positive at pH=4-6, which greatly hindered the electrostatic adsorption between minerals and collector. When using sodium oleate as the collector, metal ions could activate the flotation of both minerals. The activation was more obvious with higher ion valences and higher pH values. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ showed a more intense activation effect than Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ in strong alkaline conditions.