Geopolymers have attracted recent attention due to their wide source of raw materials, environmental protection, low-carbon technology and unique properties. However, the geopolymerization behavior of geopolymers is susceptible to the reaction reactivity of raw materials, leading to large fluctuations in the properties such as mechanical properties and durability. The issues mentioned above are directly related to the geopolymerization mechanism of geopolymers, geopolymerization kinetics, and influencing factors and regulation approach of the properties of geopolymers. Therefore, this review represented recent work and gave some future research aspects in this field to promote the utilization of low-quality aluminosilicate minerals or aluminosilicate industrial waste for the possible purpose of ‘peak carbon dioxide emissions’ and ‘carbon neutrality’.