Abstract: The mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay mainly contains attapulgite, which also associates with illite, chlorite, kaolinite and illite-smectite mixed layer clay, etc., and most of the them usually presents brick-red, gray or earth-yellow. Due to the complex mineral components and darker color, the mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay was often considered as the low-grade ores without industrial application value in the past. However, the high-value utilization of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay with large natural reserves has attracted great attention with the rapid consumption of high-quality attapulgite clay resources. In this paper, the main characteristics of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay was introduced, including the difference in the content of clay minerals, the growth of rod crystals and isomorphous substitution. Furthermore, the current status of application research was systematically summarized focusing on the adsorption of environmental pollutants, soil improvement and remediation, functional composites and structural evolution. Finally, the key directions of future research were prospected from the perspective of potential industrial applications. It was expected to provide a new perspective for the efficient utilization of mixed-dimensional attapulgite clays in China.