Gerhard Lagaly (born 14 October 1938, in Ludwigshafen am Rhein) is a German chemist and retired university professor.

In 1957, Lagaly started his chemistry studies (as well as Physics, Mineralogy and Botany) at the Heidelberg University, receiving his degree as "Diplom-Chemiker" in 1962.

From 1965 he worked as an Assistant at the Institute for Inorganic Chemistry of the Munich University where he concluded his Habilitation in 1971 and then was employed as lecturer ("Akademischer Rat/Oberrat").

The award is designated after the internationally highly recognized clay scientist and the distinguished member of the DTTG, Professor Dr. Dr. Gerhard Lagaly.

It was named Lagalyite, in honor of Gerhad Lagaly and his contributions to the fields of clay chemistry and mineralogy.