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The book starts with an introduction on silicon isotopes and related analytical methods, and explains the mechanisms of silicon isotope fractionation. Silicon isotope distributions in lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere are shown based on results from field studies, and silicon isotope relevance for applications are presented.

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Preface
Chapter 1: Introduction
Section 1 Origin and characters of silicon and its isotopes
Section 2 A brief description of silicon geochemistry
Section 3 History of silicon isotope study
Chapter 2: Analytical methods of silicon isotope composition
Section 1 Gas source mass-spectrometric analysis of silicon isotopes
Section 2 Multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (MC-ICP-MS) analysis of silicon isotopes
Section 3 Secondly ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) analyses of silicon isotopes
Section 4 Standards and reference materials for silicon isotopes
Chapter 3: Mechanisms of silicon isotope fractionation
Section 1 Thermal dynamic fractionation of silicon isotopes
Section 2 Kinetic fractionation of silicon isotopes in chemical processes
Section 3 Kinetic fractionation of silicon isotopes in biochemical processes
Chapter 4: Distribution of silicon isotopes in nature
Section 1 Extraterrestrial materials
Meteorites
Lunar rocks
Section 2 Earth`s core and mantle
Section 3 Lithosphere
Magmatic rocks
Sedimentary rocks
Metamorphic rocks
Vein quartz and silicified rocks
Section 4 Soils
Section 5 Hydrosphere
Sea water
River water
Underground water
Section 6 Biosphere
Diatoms
Radiolarian
Sponges
Plants
Section 7 Atmosphere
Chapter 5: Several aspects of silicon isotope applications
Section 1 Studies on global silicon cycle
Section 2 Studies on environmental variation of ocean
Section 3 Studies on mechanisms of absorption, transportation and precipitation of silicon in plant growth processes
Section 4 Studies on silicon source and genesis of ore deposits
Concluding remarks
Acknowledgement
References

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Tiping Ding, Shihong Tian, Jianfei Gao, Chinese Academy of Geological Science; Shaoyong Jiang, Chinese University of Geology, China

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