Abstract: Attapulgite is a layered−chain silicate mineral with a unique one−dimensional nanorod morphology, regular pore channels, and abundant surface active groups. In China, attapulgite clay was discovered in 1976. After 50 years of development, Chinese scientific researchers have systematically conducted studies on the adsorption, colloid, carrier, and reinforcement properties of attapulgite. They have overcome the key bottleneck of the efficient disaggregation of rod crystal bundles that restricts the high−value utilization of the industry, and achieved a fundamental transformation of attapulgite from a traditional mineral raw material to an application of mineral functional material. A development mechanism of “resource occurrence characteristics − key technological breakthroughs − functional material construction − industrial−scale application” has been established. In the face of the mixed−dimensional attapulgite clay resources with huge reserves but complex mineral compositions, a new paradigm for full mineral utilization has been developed, significantly enhancing the resource utilization value. This paper introduces the characteristics of attapulgite resources in China, reviews the research process of attapulgite in China, summarizes the important progress made in applied basic research, and prospects the key areas of future focus, aiming to provide valuable references for promoting the efficient utilization of attapulgite resources and the high−quality development of the industry in China.