Abstract: The history and recent state of the tribology research of rare earth was reviewed in this paper. The tribological characteristics of rare earth metals, inorganical rare earth compounds and rare earth coordination complex used as additives in lubricating oil, grease (paste) and bonded film were summarised. The high-temperature lubricating characteristics of inorganical rare earth compounds (REF3, RE2O3, CeO2) and the application of rare earth metal and inorganical rare earth compounds in high-temperature lubricating coatings were briefly discussed. Several research subjects of this field were also suggested.