A metal halide lamp is a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) light source that produces bright, white light. It contains a mixture of gases, including metal halides, which are compounds formed from metals and halogens. When electricity passes through the lamp, it excites the gases, creating light that is often used in commercial and industrial settings, such as sports arenas and street lighting. These lamps are known for their excellent color rendering and efficiency compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. However, they require a warm-up period to reach full brightness and can have a shorter lifespan than other lighting options, such as LEDs.