This paper briefs the difinition of microbolite, its research content and practical significance, divides the research history into four developmental stages,i. e.the early enlightment, controversy between palaeontologic school and actualism(sedimentary) schoo, comparative actualism(sedimentology) and microbial sedimentology, refering to the rocks, microbes, ecosystems, environments, classification and evolution of microbolites. The hot research topics of nowadays,which are microbial reefs and mounds, travertine deposits and P, Fe, Mn microbolites are also introduced.And points out developing trends about structure type,sedimentary environment,component rock and genetic index. Finally,suggests that the facing tasks are to analyse and identify fossil bacteria, microbial textures,structures and minerals, indicator elements, isotopes and biomarkers, as well as microbial ecosystems and lithogenetic and oreforming mechanisms.