The iPP/illite composites with varied content of illite were prepared and the influence of illite on the crystallization kinetics, crystalline morphology, and mechanical property of iPP was investigated. It is found that the illite exhibits obvious nucleation ability toward iPP in its α‐form. A 1 wt% of illite leads to an increment of iPP crystallinity from 33% to 50%. Moreover, the crystallization of iPP has been accelerated remarkably. Tensile test shows that the addition of illite also improves the mechanical properties of iPP. A 1 wt% illite leads to an enhancement of modulus of iPP from 1.4 GPa to 1.9 GPa, whereas the tensile strength increases from 30.5 to 37.1 MPa. The above‐mentioned influence of illite on the iPP depends on its content. This has been correlated to the aggregation of illite in the iPP matrix with increasing amount, which reduces the aspect ratio and specific surface area of illite.