Abstract: This invention is directed to a synthesis process for preparing magnesium aluminosilicate clays and to the products of said process. Briefly, a silicon component, an aluminum component, and a magnesium component are combined, under aqueous conditions and at an acidic pH, to form a first reaction mixture and subsequently the pH of the first reaction mixture is adjusted to greater than 7.5 to form a second reaction mixture. The second reaction mixture is allowed to react under conditions sufficient to form the magnesium aluminosilicate clay of the present invention. The invention is also directed to catalyst compositions comprising the magnesium aluminosilicate clays synthesized according to the process of the invention. The resulting magnesium aluminosilicate clay can be used as a catalyst or as a component in catalyst compositions.