The present invention relates to a layered
silicate having a
cation exchange capacity in the range of 70-130 meq / 100 g, having leachable
sodium cations in the range of 65-130 meq / 100 g, having leachable
magnesium cations in the range of 5-65 meq / 100 g, having leachable
calcium cations in the range of 15-95 meq / 100 g, and having a
cation exchange capacity in the range of 70-130 meq / 100 g, having leachable
sodium cations in the range of 65-130 meq / 100 g, having leachable
magnesium cations in the range of 5-65 meq / 100 g, having leachable
calcium cations in the range of 15-95 meq / 100 g, and wherein the sum of the leachable
sodium,
magnesium and
calcium cations is at least equal to the
cation exchange capacity, and wherein an
aqueous suspension containing 5% by weight of the layered
silicate has a rotary
viscosity at 10 rpm of 30 mPas or higher measured at a temperature of 23 DEG C.