A 'radiogenic'
nuclide is one that is produced by a process of
radioactive decay.
Lead is perhaps the best example of a radiogenic substance, as it is produced from the radioactive decay of
uranium and
thorium. Specifically, Pb-206 is formed from U-238, Pb-207 from U-235, and Pb-208 from Th-232. Other substances considered radiogenic are
argon-40, formed from radioactive
potassium, and
nitrogen-14, which is formed by the decay of
carbon-14. U-238, U-235, and Th-232 themselves are likely to be radiogenic as well, being formed from the decay of those nuclei of the elements heavier than uranium which do not undergo
spontaneous fission, just after they were formed in stellar
supernovae.
Other important examples of radiogenic elements are
radon and
helium, both of which form during the decay of heavier elements in bedrock. The global supply of helium is radiogenic.