iodidebearing

Iodidebearing is an umbrella term for minerals and compounds in which iodide ions (I−) are a major part of the crystal structure. In mineralogical contexts it refers to halide minerals in which iodide partially or predominantly substitutes for chloride (Cl−) or bromide (Br−) in the lattice. The iodide-bearing halides typically involve metals such as silver, lead, copper, calcium, or bismuth, and often occur in solid solution with their chloride- or bromide-rich analogues. Natural iodide-bearing minerals are relatively rare; one well-known example is iodargyrite (AgI), and related iodide-rich halide assemblages are known in iodine-rich hydrothermal or evaporitic environments.

Occurrence and formation: These minerals form where iodine is concentrated in fluids, such as in hydrothermal veins or evaporitic settings, often accompanying other halides and sulfide minerals. Their stability is sensitive to oxidation and light; iodide can oxidize to iodate and, in some contexts, iodine or iodine-containing species can be lost through sublimation or leaching.

Descriptive use: The term iodidebearing is a descriptive qualifier used in mineral data and literature to indicate the presence of iodide in the structure. It is not itself a mineral name, but a property that may accompany a mineral species or a synthetic compound. In materials science, iodide-bearing compounds (such as metal iodides) are studied for optical and electronic properties, including applications in photovoltaics.