Above: Silica particles magnified x400 under polarised light.
Info Centre >> Fuel and Lube Oil Technical Manual >> 7. Lube Oil - Test Results >> 7.8 Spectrochemical Oil Analysis >> 7.8.1 Silicon
Silicon is typically associated with dirt contamination. This contamination can result from any condition that allows dirt to enter a component oil system. Other sources of silicon include seals, oil and coolant additives and greases.