The “black smoker” hydrothermal activities in the bottom of the sea/lake and its related diagenesis, mineralization and paleontology, which are mentioned in both modern and historical geology, have become a hotspot in the multi-disciplinary study nowadays. But comparatively speaking, the relative research on “white smoke type” exhalative hydrothermal rocks is obviously inadequate. Based on reading a large number of domestic and foreign literatures, combined theory with authors’ practical research work, this paper reviews the historic and present situation of the study of exhalative hydrothermal rocks. In this article, the authors put emphasis on introducing the progress on the origin of dolomite, as a symbolic low-temperature hydrothermal mineral. The authors believe that the “white smoke type” exhalative hydrothermal dolostone is the typical sample of primary dolostone. Available information indicates that the layers of “white smoke type” exhalative rocks which has been reported, that is, Xiagou Formation in Jiuxi basin and Lucaogou Formation in Santanghu basin, are important hydrocarbon source rock in their respective regions. According to this information, the following issues are worthy  to be taken into consideration. ①The special environment of the hydrothermal activities and their related thermophilic bacteria and food chain makes the organic matter, which could provide material basis for the generation of oil and gas, enriched. ②Mantleoriginated material is likely to bring mantleoriginated hydrocarbons. ③Hydrothermal activities would increase the geotemperature of sedimentary basin generally, as a result, it may accelerate the maturity of hydrocarbon source rocks. Lastly, the authors give their questions and proposals for further research in this field.