Article is dedicated to the assessment of mineral raw materials of Latvia from deposit size, location, upper layer thickness and a short geological description as well as from the composition and characteristic properties point of view for application of specific ceramic or other material development using chemically activated clays for further technologies. There is emphasis on the statement of real situation that since revival of Latvian national independence many changes have undergo management of mineral raw materials – changes in the property relations of the land and entrails of the earth, industrial production and its importance have diminished, many companies have stopped their activities and necessary market have replaced with imported products thus increasing not only the domestic unemployment but also dependence on suppliers. Clay deposits in Latvia have not changed their position and resources are potentially available for using. The study aims to provide insight into present situation of the chemically treated 2:1 illite/smectite Latvian clays from their application view point, based on the experimental results of their reactive ability to develop/not develop geopolymers, as well as on the effect of chemical activation on phase composition, structure and ceramic properties including mechanical strength of sintered ceramic materials. The results of experimental work were shown using so-called geopolymer method/technology in connection with Laza, Apriki, Prometejs, Ugale, Livani and Liepa clay deposits. It was found that each studied clay/clay minerals ‘react’ differentially on the chemical treatment with alkali from the ceramic properties and mechanical strength view point. There is no conclusive evidence on the formation of geopolymers in chemical treatment of Latvian clays in this stage. It is concluded that in connection with sintering temperature and mechanical strength value chemical treatment of clays significantly reduces the sintering temperature up to 700 0C (depending on the specific clay) reaching sufficiently high compressive strength exceeding 25 N/mm2.