The structure of the interlayer cation-water system in La-vermiculite with a unit cell of a = 5.33(5), b = 9.18(6), c = 15.13(9) Å and β = 96.82(7)° has been determined in space group C2/m. Under ambient conditions, the interlayer La cations are distributed on a 3a × b superlattice which disappears on dehydration but returns on rehydration. The basal spacing does not change during the dehydration/rehydration process. The character of the superlattice spots indicate that the cation-water system, at ambient conditions, is ordered over relatively large domains. The La cations are surrounded by 8 neighboring water molecules in a distorted cubic arrangement. The spaces between the La-water clusters are occupied by triads of water molecules that are relatively mobile.
