Abstract: Quartz is commonly encountered as a gangue mineral in the separation process of hematite. Currently, effective separation of hematite from quartz is primarily achieved using high−efficiency flotation reagents and reverse flotation processes. The current research status of the flotation chemical mechanism of hematite and quartz is introduced in this article from the perspectives of mineral crystal anisotropy, structure−activity relationship of flotation agents, and adsorption mechanism of agents. The mechanism and adsorption mechanism of starch and its derivatives with iron ore, as well as the activation mechanism of calcium ions on quartz, are expounded in this paper. The types, properties, and structure−activity relationships of commonly used high−efficiency collectors are also listed. Finally, the development trend of theoretical research on high−efficiency flotation agents is anticipated in this paper, in order to provide a reference for the study of efficient separation theory and technology of hematite and quartz.