IntroductionThe core indicators of the quality of machine's parts, assemblies and mechanisms are reliability and lifespan, which are greatly defined by the properties of the surface layers of parts and junctions: wear resistance, corrosion resistance, friction rate, contact rigidity, seating stability, connection tightness. The reason for a short lifespan of parts and other structural components may be significantly associated with tear-and-wear and corrosive deterioration of their surface layers. To eliminate or slow down the processes taking place on the border between metal and environment, which have a negative effect on the operability of materials, various types of surface treatment are used. Besides multiple methods involving coatings, films and protective layers, there is a rapidly developing modern technology of changing physical and chemical properties of surface layers of metal parts by means of modification. In particular, industrial application of natural minerals for hardening surface layers of structural materials is finding its niche, due to the effects, combination of which leads to enhanced wear resistance, anti-friction, anti-corrosion and other specific properties of a friction pair.