This invention relates to the preparation, functionalisation and use of a novel nano structured silicate, generally a calcium silicate which may be hydrated. It also relates to novel methods of producing nano structured silicates. The novel nano-structured silicate material comprises a calcium silicate in the form of platelets of about 5-10 nm thick and about 50-500 nm wide or wider stacked together in a poorly ordered framework type structure as illustrated in FIG. 1. The novel material can be prepared by reacting a calcium ion containing solution with a silicate containing solution under controlled conditions and then allowing the calcium silicate to age. The novel silicate has pores of a high volume and which are readily accessible. This provides a high oil absorption capacity and high surface area. Novel nano-structured silicate materials are produced by the invention having an oil absorption capacity up to 700 g.oil.100 g.sup.-1 silicate and a surface area up to 600 m2g.sup.-1. The novel material can be functionalised to yield a material having a variety of uses.