Abstract: To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the metal halide lamp of this invention comprises a vitreous arc tube containing an ionizable medium and having electrodes sealed into opposed ends of the arc tube. An outer envelope encloses the arc tube and includes one end accommodating inleads sealed therethrough. A base is attached to the outer envelope having input terminals, the input terminals being connected to the inleads which in turn are connected to the tungsten electrodes. A mount is provided to support the arc tube within the outer envelope. The ionizable medium will include mercury, a metal halide, and an inert gas selected from the group consisting of argon, krypton, and xenon and mixtures thereof. In addition, a starting circuit having an open circuit voltage of at least 200 volts RMS will be provided. The inert gas having a pressure of at least about 70 torr.