Joanna Scheffler
@joscheff.bsky.social
Geologist, educator, parent to 2 outstanding humans, often perplexed. Folks who say "Dumb as a rock" should take a geo class to learn to speak rock.
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#MinCup26 Round 2 Match 7
It's blue skies ahead as multicoloured cubes of #Halite are up against the bubbly cool-toned #Chrysocolla.
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
It's blue skies ahead as multicoloured cubes of #Halite are up against the bubbly cool-toned #Chrysocolla.
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
September 23, 2026 at 12:22 AM
#MinCup26 Round 2 Match 7
It's blue skies ahead as multicoloured cubes of #Halite are up against the bubbly cool-toned #Chrysocolla.
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
It's blue skies ahead as multicoloured cubes of #Halite are up against the bubbly cool-toned #Chrysocolla.
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
September 23, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
So much to recommend Anorthite in the first place-early Earth igneous processes, asteroids, lunar highlands- a very old mineral found in various environments in the solar system. It may not be glamorous, but it has history-and a beer named after it! Vote Anorthite! (This is kind of fun!)
September 3, 2026 at 2:15 AM
So much to recommend Anorthite in the first place-early Earth igneous processes, asteroids, lunar highlands- a very old mineral found in various environments in the solar system. It may not be glamorous, but it has history-and a beer named after it! Vote Anorthite! (This is kind of fun!)
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#MinCup26 Round 1 Match 3
Both zinc ore #Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar #Anorthite will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
Both zinc ore #Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar #Anorthite will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
September 3, 2026 at 12:00 AM
#MinCup26 Round 1 Match 3
Both zinc ore #Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar #Anorthite will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
Both zinc ore #Sphalerite and calcium plagioclase feldspar #Anorthite will split cleanly if you hit them with a hammer, but only one can claim a larger split of your votes!
VOTE: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
RESULTS: www.mineralcup.org/2026/vote-re...
Hey @colbertlateshow.bsky.social , can we get another shout out to @brickroadcoffee.bsky.social for donating water and excellent coffee to the #NoKings rally this morning in #Tempe #AZ ?
October 18, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Hey @colbertlateshow.bsky.social , can we get another shout out to @brickroadcoffee.bsky.social for donating water and excellent coffee to the #NoKings rally this morning in #Tempe #AZ ?
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Ever wonder about who makes Mineral Cup happen?
Here’s the #MinCup25 volunteer team! www.mineralcup.org/2025/volunte...
Want to join us? We’re always recruiting more volunteers!
Here’s the #MinCup25 volunteer team! www.mineralcup.org/2025/volunte...
Want to join us? We’re always recruiting more volunteers!
Volunteers — Mineral Cup
www.mineralcup.org
October 2, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Ever wonder about who makes Mineral Cup happen?
Here’s the #MinCup25 volunteer team! www.mineralcup.org/2025/volunte...
Want to join us? We’re always recruiting more volunteers!
Here’s the #MinCup25 volunteer team! www.mineralcup.org/2025/volunte...
Want to join us? We’re always recruiting more volunteers!
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Northern lights were flaring last night already. They are doing it again tonight.
The Sun will (probably 👉👈) smite thee hard if you don't harken to its auroral message and vote 🌈🎆 Northern #Tugtupite FTW!
#MinCup25
Jan 2025 📸s:
yle.fi/a/74-20134442
Storm level aurora now:
www.softservenews.com
The Sun will (probably 👉👈) smite thee hard if you don't harken to its auroral message and vote 🌈🎆 Northern #Tugtupite FTW!
#MinCup25
Jan 2025 📸s:
yle.fi/a/74-20134442
Storm level aurora now:
www.softservenews.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Northern lights were flaring last night already. They are doing it again tonight.
The Sun will (probably 👉👈) smite thee hard if you don't harken to its auroral message and vote 🌈🎆 Northern #Tugtupite FTW!
#MinCup25
Jan 2025 📸s:
yle.fi/a/74-20134442
Storm level aurora now:
www.softservenews.com
The Sun will (probably 👉👈) smite thee hard if you don't harken to its auroral message and vote 🌈🎆 Northern #Tugtupite FTW!
#MinCup25
Jan 2025 📸s:
yle.fi/a/74-20134442
Storm level aurora now:
www.softservenews.com
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
I was all ready to cast my final vote of support for kyanite but that plan fell to pieces when I learned about spectacular tugtupite. Tenebrescent! Fluorescent!
Phosphorescent!
Bad luck kyanite, your innate coolness is compelling but is out-matched in this final round of #MinCup25.
Phosphorescent!
Bad luck kyanite, your innate coolness is compelling but is out-matched in this final round of #MinCup25.
Kyanite has fought long and hard these many years! Let’s get that win so it can retire with honour!
#MinCup25 Final: After a month of learning and laughter, we’re at the final match to determine the 2025 Mineral Cup Champion! We have blue blades of #kyanite up against optical magician #tugtupite.
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r5...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r5...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
October 1, 2025 at 2:59 AM
I was all ready to cast my final vote of support for kyanite but that plan fell to pieces when I learned about spectacular tugtupite. Tenebrescent! Fluorescent!
Phosphorescent!
Bad luck kyanite, your innate coolness is compelling but is out-matched in this final round of #MinCup25.
Phosphorescent!
Bad luck kyanite, your innate coolness is compelling but is out-matched in this final round of #MinCup25.
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Full audit complete. The final margin was just 9 votes.
The ballot-stuffing is frustrating to undo, hides the excitement of close margins or frantic comebacks, and steals glory from the coolness of these minerals.
The ballot-stuffing is frustrating to undo, hides the excitement of close margins or frantic comebacks, and steals glory from the coolness of these minerals.
October 1, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
As much as I wanted calcite, hematite, or a copper mineral to get here, these two both deserve their spots.
I may just end up campaigning for both—the only bad result for this match would be if we don't have fun and learn.
#MinCup25 #MinCup
I may just end up campaigning for both—the only bad result for this match would be if we don't have fun and learn.
#MinCup25 #MinCup
#MinCup25 Final: After a month of learning and laughter, we’re at the final match to determine the 2025 Mineral Cup Champion! We have blue blades of #kyanite up against optical magician #tugtupite.
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r5...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r5...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote in 2025 Final Match — Mineral Cup
Click here to vote in Kyanite vs Tugtupite Photo credits: John Sobolewski and Parent Géry
www.mineralcup.org
October 1, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
I wanted to get a video of this ghost crab but every time I got close to their hole they scuttled back in, so I tried getting clever with it. I made a little sandcastle and shoved my phone into it, hit record, and walked away. Crab was VERY suspicious of this addition to their environment.
September 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM
I wanted to get a video of this ghost crab but every time I got close to their hole they scuttled back in, so I tried getting clever with it. I made a little sandcastle and shoved my phone into it, hit record, and walked away. Crab was VERY suspicious of this addition to their environment.
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
We made the big leagues
September 23, 2025 at 2:47 AM
We made the big leagues
True confession: I still dream of the pumpkin donuts from that little bakery in #Oberlin, OH, lo those many years ago when my #CollegeofWooster swim team went to a meet there...Especially this time of year :/
September 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
True confession: I still dream of the pumpkin donuts from that little bakery in #Oberlin, OH, lo those many years ago when my #CollegeofWooster swim team went to a meet there...Especially this time of year :/
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Psst: if you like rocks, I want to make sure you know about #MinCup! We're talking about minerals over there, everything from science and history to sparkles and fun names.
September 23, 2025 at 4:21 AM
Psst: if you like rocks, I want to make sure you know about #MinCup! We're talking about minerals over there, everything from science and history to sparkles and fun names.
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
When the sun fades, I fade
Though a snowy sparkle stays
When the sun's bright, I'm bright
Sudden waking, warm as life
#MinCup25 #tugtupite #MinPoem
Though a snowy sparkle stays
When the sun's bright, I'm bright
Sudden waking, warm as life
#MinCup25 #tugtupite #MinPoem
#MinCup Round 2 Match 4:
It’s a battle of mineralogical oddities as organic mineral #Carpathite battles against vs #Tugtupite, a mineral that looks like reindeer blood!
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
It’s a battle of mineralogical oddities as organic mineral #Carpathite battles against vs #Tugtupite, a mineral that looks like reindeer blood!
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote in Round 2 Match 4 — Mineral Cup
Click here to vote in Carpathite vs Tugtupite Photo credits: Michael Roarke
www.mineralcup.org
September 20, 2025 at 1:20 AM
When the sun fades, I fade
Though a snowy sparkle stays
When the sun's bright, I'm bright
Sudden waking, warm as life
#MinCup25 #tugtupite #MinPoem
Though a snowy sparkle stays
When the sun's bright, I'm bright
Sudden waking, warm as life
#MinCup25 #tugtupite #MinPoem
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#MinCup25 Round 2 Match 3: It's a heavyweight match between industrial powerhouses as soft #baryte competes against rusty red #hematite.
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote in Round 2 Match 3 — Mineral Cup
Click here to vote in Baryte vs Hematite Photo credits:
www.mineralcup.org
September 19, 2025 at 12:03 AM
#MinCup25 Round 2 Match 3: It's a heavyweight match between industrial powerhouses as soft #baryte competes against rusty red #hematite.
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r2...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
@banjoherder.bsky.social so I saw your #MinCup25 post, and since multiple members of my family are are banjo plinkers, I would like to know about the banjoherding
September 16, 2025 at 10:02 PM
@banjoherder.bsky.social so I saw your #MinCup25 post, and since multiple members of my family are are banjo plinkers, I would like to know about the banjoherding
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#MinCup25 finally has a horse race where your vote and mine can make a difference. #mannardite for me. Neither contestant has its own Wikipedia page, and the mindat.org pages now have a banner at the top telling people to go vote in MinCup25. I am happy that they get to play a game for a month.
September 16, 2025 at 9:48 PM
#MinCup25 finally has a horse race where your vote and mine can make a difference. #mannardite for me. Neither contestant has its own Wikipedia page, and the mindat.org pages now have a banner at the top telling people to go vote in MinCup25. I am happy that they get to play a game for a month.
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Why is V so concentrated in crude oil and oil shales?
Anoxic waters, H2S reduction, formation of porphyrin complexes, precipitation, clay adsorption, shale deposition, mineralization.
Tiny, V-rich #Mannardite punches above its weight.
#MinCup25
#Porphyrins
Anoxic waters, H2S reduction, formation of porphyrin complexes, precipitation, clay adsorption, shale deposition, mineralization.
Tiny, V-rich #Mannardite punches above its weight.
#MinCup25
#Porphyrins
September 16, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Why is V so concentrated in crude oil and oil shales?
Anoxic waters, H2S reduction, formation of porphyrin complexes, precipitation, clay adsorption, shale deposition, mineralization.
Tiny, V-rich #Mannardite punches above its weight.
#MinCup25
#Porphyrins
Anoxic waters, H2S reduction, formation of porphyrin complexes, precipitation, clay adsorption, shale deposition, mineralization.
Tiny, V-rich #Mannardite punches above its weight.
#MinCup25
#Porphyrins
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#Mannardite is the little goth rock who could! Jet black & found in the oldest terrestrial rocks, Hadean era crust!
This is the last bout of Round 1 so step up to vote & be counted!
#MinCup25
This is the last bout of Round 1 so step up to vote & be counted!
#MinCup25
#MinCup25 Round 1 Match 16 - It's a battle of the tiny as bright green #paddlewheelite goes up against jet black #mannardite. Both are small yet mighty minerals, but only one can win!
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote in Round 1 Match 16 — Mineral Cup
Click here to vote in Paddlewheelite vs Mannardite Photo credits: Travis Olds and Matteo Chinellato
www.mineralcup.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:40 AM
#Mannardite is the little goth rock who could! Jet black & found in the oldest terrestrial rocks, Hadean era crust!
This is the last bout of Round 1 so step up to vote & be counted!
#MinCup25
This is the last bout of Round 1 so step up to vote & be counted!
#MinCup25
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
Don’t know how I’m going to vote here, but the name #Paddlewheelite makes me wonder if it was hastily made up as a mineral simply to get into #MinCup25 & lock down the “Cute name” vote! What’s next, kittypawite??
(And yes, I’m looking it up now & it’s actually pretty cool, but I said what I said!)
(And yes, I’m looking it up now & it’s actually pretty cool, but I said what I said!)
September 16, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Don’t know how I’m going to vote here, but the name #Paddlewheelite makes me wonder if it was hastily made up as a mineral simply to get into #MinCup25 & lock down the “Cute name” vote! What’s next, kittypawite??
(And yes, I’m looking it up now & it’s actually pretty cool, but I said what I said!)
(And yes, I’m looking it up now & it’s actually pretty cool, but I said what I said!)
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
This is our one and only chance to get a mineral first found and described in Norway on to the next round! Look, there's a stamp and everything:
#Thortveitite
#MinCup25
#Thortveitite
#MinCup25
September 11, 2025 at 8:01 AM
This is our one and only chance to get a mineral first found and described in Norway on to the next round! Look, there's a stamp and everything:
#Thortveitite
#MinCup25
#Thortveitite
#MinCup25
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
#MinCup25 Round 1 Match 5: Are you ready for beautiful utility as sparkling #Silver competes against hefty #Baryte?
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote in Round 1 Match 5 — Mineral Cup
Click here to vote in Silver vs Baryte Photo credit: Smithsonian Institution
www.mineralcup.org
September 5, 2025 at 12:06 AM
#MinCup25 Round 1 Match 5: Are you ready for beautiful utility as sparkling #Silver competes against hefty #Baryte?
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Vote: www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1...
Results: www.mineralcup.org/2025/results...
Reposted by Joanna Scheffler
🎶 It’s beginning to look a lot like #MinCup2025 ⛏️
(Or is it #MinCup25 as I always get the hashtag wrong?)
(Or is it #MinCup25 as I always get the hashtag wrong?)
Ideas for minerals to compete in #MinCup2025? Nominate them now! www.mineralcup.org/nominations
Want to be part of this year’s organizing team? We love volunteers! www.mineralcup.org/volunteer
Want to be part of this year’s organizing team? We love volunteers! www.mineralcup.org/volunteer
Nominate Minerals — Mineral Cup
www.mineralcup.org
August 18, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🎶 It’s beginning to look a lot like #MinCup2025 ⛏️
(Or is it #MinCup25 as I always get the hashtag wrong?)
(Or is it #MinCup25 as I always get the hashtag wrong?)