ABSTRACT
Trace elements of Group 14 are silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb). Geochemical properties and terrestrial abundance of these elements diverge widely. Their common characteristics are the weak solubility of their hydroxides and oxides in water and af nity to bond with oxygen. All elements have variable valences, +2 and +4 (Table 19.1), and only Si is a metalloid (nonmetal). Other elements of this group, Ge, Sn, and Pb, are metals and show chalcophilic properties in the terrestrial environment.
