The article summarizes the most important developments concerning processing of raw materials with alkali/alkali earth metal hydroxides/silicates - geopolymer synthesis. The conceptual model of geopolymerisation describing geopolymer synthesis mechanism and the possible reactions taking place in raw materials (fly ash, slag, clay, clay minerals, etc.) treated with alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxides or silicates are discussed. Studies have shown that adding of average amount of calcium-containing raw materials to geopolymers may have significant effect on the structure and properties of obtained products. Alkali/alkaline earth metal used in geopolymerisation process depends on many factors, of which the most important are raw materials, as well as estimated use of the synthesized geopolymers. Because of the catalytic role of cations, the cation in base material, as well as the cation, which is added as an alkali/alkaline earth metal hydroxide or silicate, are of particular importance. Geopolymer materials can be considered as traditional structural material substitutes, they could be successfully used for immobilisation of toxic and radioactive waste. Studies have shown that strength of the obtained products depends on the nature of raw materials – geopolymers derived from heat-treated materials, such as metakaolinite, fly ash, slags, they have a higher compressive strength than that of material produced from untreated raw materials, such as kaolinite and other minerals occurring naturally and their mixtures.