The synthesis of a novel layered silicate is achieved in a straightforward process by the solid-state conversion of a mixture of Na-kanemite and solid tetramethylammonium hydroxide hydrate (TMAOH.5H(2)O) at low temperatures and for a short time periods, when compared to the conventional hydrothermal synthetic process carried out in aqueous TMAOH solution. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.