Abstract:The pegmatites containing rare metals are classified into LCT (LithiumCesiumTantalum) and NYF (NiobiumYttriumFluorine) types, with the LCT type being the world's most important source of lithium. In this contribution we review the global progress in geological exploration and study of the pegmatitetype lithium deposits, and briefly introduce representative deposits from different continents. It is noted that the pegmatitetype lithium deposits are heterogeneous spatial distribution. Temporally, the mineralization shows multistage and episodic features. Most of the LCTtype pegmatites were formed during latestage of the convergent orogenies, and possibly associated with the supercontinent assembly. The LCT pegmatites are generally enriched in volatile components, genetically related to postcollisional Stype granites, spatially hosted in metamorphic rocks, and deeply seated along fault structures.