The time-resolved emission spectra (2-6eV), reflection and luminescence excitation spectra (4.5-35eV) as well as the kinetics of luminescence have been studied for single crystals of silicates A 2 SiO 5 -Ce (A=Y, Gd, Lu) and Sc 2 SiO 5 at 5.8 and 300K using synchrotron radiation of X-ray (storage ring VEPP-3) or selective vacuum ultraviolet (storage ring DORIS) range. The spectral and decay parameters of the impurity and intrinsic luminescence are determined. The photon multiplication effect was found for all compounds for energy E>15eV (E>2.5E g ). The role of electron-hole and exciton mechanisms of energy transfer in the silicates and their dependence on temperature are discussed.