The investigation is focused on modification of the structure 2:1 sheet silicates - illite clay by subjecting them to chemical and microbiological impact. It is shown that alkaline activation of illite clay by sodium hydroxide leads to the slight structural changes mainly characterized by water link changes. The effect of bacteria Ps. fluorescens AM PS11on structure changes of illite is small and is influenced on rheology of treated clay.It is shown that the influence of chemical treatment on porosity, bulk density and increase of compressive strength of sintered ceramic samples is notable.