Eight samples of brachiopod shell material have been analyzed for their strontium isotope composition in order to more accurately date Lower to Upper Permian siliceous biogenic strata of Spitsbergen (Kapp Starostin Formation) and the southern Barents Sea (R circle divide ye Formation). The results are interpreted as showing a mid-Artinskian age for the basal V circle divide ringen Member of the Kapp Starostin Formation and a range of late Artinskian to Roadian for the overlying part of this unit. The upper part of the R circle divide ye Formation yields ages in the range Roadian to Wuchiapingian. These results are consistent with available biostratigraphic data and confirm the potential of strontium isotope stratigraphy for developing a more accurate chronology of the widespread spiculite deposits that characterize the northern margin of Pangea in late-Early Permian to Late Permian time and which constitute a potential target for petroleum exploration.