sheet has a positive charge, since its bulk composition is M₃(OH)₂⁴⁺ (M represents a divalent ion such as ferrous iron or magnesium) The combined TOT layer has a residual negative charge, since its bulk composition is M₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂^-. The remaining negative charge of the TOT layer is neutralized by the interlayer potassium ions.

Because the hexagons in the T and O sheets are slightly different in size, the sheets are slightly distorted when they