> The only other known naturally forming quasicrystal was found inside meteorite fragments

Does it really count as "naturally forming" if we had to artificially construct and detonate a nuke during a carefully conducted experiment to create this one?

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pocksuppet 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Well, it's more natural than something like a lab diamond. This one forms naturally given unnaturally created, but not completely implausible, conditions. There is a big difference between "we blew up rocks and they formed this mineral" and "we treated rocks with X acid and Y acid and then carefully annealed them under extreme pressure and they formed this mineral"

	▲	theowaway 39 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		De Beers has entered the chat

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Towaway69 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

We’re a product of nature, it’s mistaken to believe we are above nature or that nuclear weapons aren’t also part of nature.

We’re also very much dependent on nature and natural forces.

So everything we do is, even if many steps removed, still an act of nature.

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nkrisc an hour ago | parent | next [-]

With the influence of humans: artificial.

Without the influence of humans: natural.

There’s a useful definition for you. Otherwise according to your definition the term “natural” is completely meaningless and serves no purpose.

	▲	SecretDreams an hour ago \| parent [-]
		All natural nuclear weapons has a nice ring to it ~ the OP.

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autoexec 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Diamonds are also product of nature, but when we grow them in a lab they aren't often considered to be "naturally formed". It's just that the lab we used in this instance was part of the Jornada del Muerto.

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4gotunameagain 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

This is a valid argument, albeit a pointless one.

We use the term natural specifically to distinguish between the.. natural and artificial.

A term like that is necessary.

	▲	lwhi 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I think sometimes the distinction is made between natural and artificial (human made) as a way to sway an argument. In many of these cases, the reasoning is tenuous if we examine with an understanding that the difference is sometimes arbitrary. If anything, we should be more careful with our use of language. For instance; 'naturally ocurring' vs. 'human made'.