Query: making vs. buying pre-made Lugol's...?

[Guest guest]

I have a small bit of crystal iodine, and notice that even though it is sealed

and inside a sealed bag besides, the iodine seems to vaporize out somehow.

In considering future need for Lugol's, it is attractive to me to make my own

vs. buying pre-made, but...

1)

How is crystal iodine BEST stored ?

2)

How long can one store it before it becomes weak or otherwise diminished ?

3)

Does stored Lugol's also weaken by some kind of gassing-off process ?

4)

What is the best, specific type of container for storing crystals and/or Lugol's

in for the longest period of time without problems ?

Thanks !

mark