Wear caused by friction is one of the main causes of most mechanical component failures. The application of powders as anti-wear lubricating materials has achieved great advances, which are of great significance in reducing friction and wear. This review focuses on the applications of phyllosilicates mineral powders as anti-wear lubricating materials in lubricating oil. The tribological behaviors of phyllosilicates mineral powders and the combination of phyllosilicates mineral powders with other materials as lubricant additives are provided. Moreover, the fundamental mechanism are systematically reviewed and concluded based on tribology data and surface, and interface analysis. Finally, current unsolved issues and suggestions for future research on phyllosilicates mineral powders as lubricant additives are proposed.