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We have a few questions about crystal formation and properties, for example:

My feeling is that all three of these questions would be better suited to Chemistry.SE. However, I can see that there may be other cases where crystal-related questions might be more geochemical. Anyone have any ideas for guidelines on how to decide when a question like this is more suited to Chemistry.SE or here?

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My opinion:

  • 1) Could be at either site.
  • 2) Should be here. Natural crystallization should be here. Artificial crystallization at chemistry.
  • 3) Should be here. Beause it is natural crystallization.

A rough guidline:

  • Natural compounds and minerals should be on this page. Also question how to measure them, classify them, ...
  • Artificial compounds at chemistry.
  • Cut-off point for natural compounds after they leave the primary resource status. Example: High-purity-Quartz-sand questions go here, but questions about the usage of it in microchips should go to chemistry.
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  • $\begingroup$ That's a good point, I didn't think about the environmental impacts of crystal formation. $\endgroup$
    – naught101
    Apr 23, 2014 at 7:28
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    $\begingroup$ Yes to me mineralogy is definitely on topic, and the natural / artificial line seems a reasonable one. $\endgroup$
    – winwaed
    Apr 23, 2014 at 12:55
  • $\begingroup$ I totally agree with this answer. +1 $\endgroup$
    – Azzie Rogers
    Apr 23, 2014 at 13:13
  • $\begingroup$ Mineralogy is a branch of Earth Science. (Definition: A subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical properties of minerals.) Which I would think includes crystals... $\endgroup$
    – Azzie Rogers
    Apr 23, 2014 at 15:14

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