Abstract: The application of clay minerals in catalytic cracking catalysts is discussed in three aspects in this paper. (1) Before the introduction of amorphous Si and Al gel, the activated white clay represented a historical period.(2) At present th e pillared clay study is one of the frontiers of new catalytic materials worldwi dely. The pillared montnorillonite is currently the most attractive trend in re seach. The pillars of Al multi-nucleus hydroxyl metallic cations or multi-nucl eus hydroxyl bimetallic cations with Al is a major topic at the moment. Furtherm ore there exists a tendeney of development trend in pillar research from the single Al multi-nucleus hydroxyl polyxocation to the bimetallic multi-nucleus hydr oxyl polyxocation of Al and other metals.　The pillared illite/smectite inte rstr atified clay minerals are very important for new catalyst carrier.(3) Using kaol inite as a catalytic cracking catalyst carrier is still playing a significant role at the present and in the near future. The catalytic properties of kaolinite are affected by the genesis, mineral compositions, impurities, thermal stability of st ructural hydroxyl and physical properties. Searching for non-active carrier o ut of the natural kaolin may be possible. A study on relationship between the miner alogical characteristics and catalytic properties of catalysts should be stren gthened.