The paper presents the results of a research on the influence of structure characteristics on the mechanical behaviour of a saturated compacted scaly clay. To this aim, mechanical properties of compacted scaly clay samples after saturation are compared with the corresponding properties measured on the clay reconstituted in the laboratory. For the stress range explored in the experimental programme, compacted scaly clay samples are stiffer and stronger than reconstituted clay samples owing to their greater density. Collected results are discussed taking in consideration microstructure characteristics of the compacted and reconstituted clay samples.