The layer structure of the kaolin mineral dickite has been shown to differ significantly from the idealized arrangement of regular tetrahedra and octahedra. Since the structure of kaolinite can be studied only by X-ray powder methods, it cannot be refined beyond the idealized arrangement. By applying the dickite type of layer structure to the ease of kaolinite, an explanation for the triclinic symmetry of kaolinite has been obtained, and also an improved agreement with the observed X-ray intensities.