Iodine crystallizes readily.

Every operator has found upon the side of the jar in his coating-box, perfectly regular crystals, deposited there by sublimation.
Water dissolves but a small proportion of iodine, requiring 7000 parts of water to dissolve one of iodine, {85} or one grain to the gallon of water.

Alcohol and ether dissolve it freely, as does a solution of nitrate or hydrochlorate of ammonia and of iodides.
The density of solid iodine is 4.95; that of its vapor 8.716.

It greatly resembles chlorine and bromine in its combinations, but its affinities are weaker.

It does not destroy the majority of organic substances, and vegetable colors generally resist its action.