Ab initio total energy calculations based on the local density approximation (LDA) and using a conjugate-gradient solver for the Kohn-Sham equations have been performed for cordierite, brucite, (Mg(OH)₂) and diaspore (AlOOH). The calculated fractional coordinates of all structures are in good agreement with experimental diffraction data. The angle of the non-linear hydrogen bond in diaspore is reproduced well. The Raman active OH stretching frequency in brucite has been calculated using the frozen phonon approach and the calculated stretching frequency is in very good agreement with the observed value. The energetically most favourable calculated orientation of the proton-proton vector of an H₂O molecule incorporated in the structural channels of cordierite agrees with findings deduced from spectroscopic data, and the calculated energy of hydration is in reasonable agreement with calorimetric data. It is therefore concluded that ab initio total energy calculations can confidently be used to predict properties of hydrogen bonded structures, which is difficult with conventional parameterized static lattice energy minimization calculations. An extension to the model is necessary to improve the agreement of the predicted to the observed lattice parameters for small structures.