What does the term 'radiogenic' refer to?

The term 'radiogenic' refers specifically to substances or conditions that arise from the process of radioactive decay. This means that these materials are a product of the transformation of unstable isotopes into more stable forms through the emission of radiation.

In geochemical contexts, for instance, radiogenic elements can be those that are formed in nature as a byproduct of the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as lead formed from the decay of uranium. Understanding radiogenic processes is crucial in fields like geology and archaeology, especially for dating and tracing materials through radiometric techniques. This concept emphasizes the importance of radioactive decay as a fundamental process that can lead to the formation of various substances.