Moldings are described which are composed of a silicic acid with a layer structure, or salts thereof with the general formula (H,M).sub.2 Si.sub.y O.sub.2y+1, or the corresponding hydrates, M representing lithium, sodium, potassium or ammonium and y being 1.7 to 24. They can be prepared for example by extruding pulverulent layer silicic acids, or salts thereof with the general formula (H,M).sub.2 Si.sub.y O.sub.2y+1, or the corresponding hydrates, M representing lithium, sodium, potassium or ammonium and y being 1.7 to 24, to produce cylindrical blanks, if appropriate after moistening with water or an organic solvent, and then drying the blanks, or by introducing the same starting materials into a mold, as dry or moist powders, converting them to moldings with the application of pressure and, if appropriate, drying the moldings.