@mineralcup.bsky.social
Which mineral is the best of them all? Campaign & vote in #MinCup each September. Next #OreCup in early 2027! www.MineralCup.org
Kyanite photo credits: Smithsonian Institution
@dotsandlines.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialJust thinking of the book "The Ordinary Princess" and its protagonist, Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne of Phantasmorania—Amy for short.
An "ordinary" princess named for a variety of an "ordinary" mineral (amethyst #quartz).
@beamsandbows.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialHow many different kinds of quartz can you find in my collection?
@mineralcup.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialAs always, thank you to our spectacular volunteers who keep things running!
www.mineralcup.org/2026/volunte...
We also want to thank their long-suffering families who kept them cozy while they disappeared into a month of arguing over rocks.
@mineralcup.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.social
@lesuper.bsky.uyReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialHalf way there... This is a 2x2x1 unit cell piece. It will look more geometrically robust with the next layers...
I am not planning this model to have the typical #Quartz outer shape because I am just learning to connect the tetrahedra, but I am hoping the 2nd model will 🤞🏻
@aaronputnam.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialCongratulations to #quartz. I have learned much from the secrets locked within your lattice. And I will probably suffer from lifelong nightmares that involve dissolving you with HF.
@indianalytics.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialI love how colour in minerals is mostly because of imperfection of crystal structure (foreign metals, water, shifts of planes, ...) So these kinds of cups are basically "what imperfection is the most beautiful one" which is beautiful! Wonder if there is a lesson in there for humanity 🤔
@ninadavtian.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.social
@mineralcup.bsky.socialAs always, thank you to our spectacular volunteers who keep things running!
www.mineralcup.org/2026/volunte...
We also want to thank their long-suffering families who kept them cozy while they disappeared into a month of arguing over rocks.
@mineralcup.bsky.social@mineralcup.bsky.social(We’ll be adding more highlights, we just didn’t want to hold up posting any longer!)
@mineralcup.bsky.social@mineralcup.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialOne of the most frequent daydreams people share with us is a wish to win a specimen of the Champion. This year, you can.
@bkania.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialIf nothing else, a tenacious individual. When I choose to be. Eddie's #MinCup was a dream come true for me. That is why I campaigned fairly rigorously for #Quartz this year especially. #QuartzDeservesThis
I wish to thank anyone and everyone who put up with me. This is part of my #MinCupStory
@yirara-bah.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialYay to #TeamQuartz. So glad a properly hard mineral won with all the softies this year. No: No more quartz goodness in future #minCups to come. Boo: Cheating is just lame. Idea: If there are enough winners, what about a winner short mincup just with these?
@vickyveritas.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialI can’t think of a more appropriate ending for the 10th Anniversary of #MinCup than Quartz winning, the mineral that started it all! Thank you to @mikamckinnon.bsky.social and the team for all the tireless work you do! The ballot stuffers can stuff it, though!
@notkaspeck.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.social
@jenniekermode.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialOh, well done quartz! I have long felt that people were overlooking you in the way that the Oscars tends to overlook actors who are guaranteed to turn in another great performance the following year. For you, this is also a lifetime achievement award.
@barrygoldman1.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.social#MinCup26 Yay quartz. Here r some tiny 'herkimers' growing with calcite in a seam. Helderberg formation Coeymans NY, usa
@minouette.bsky.socialReposted by @mineralcup.bsky.socialI’m really pleased to see that FINALLY in its 10th year, Quartz has won the Mineral Cup! #MinCup26
Huge thanks to the tireless @mineralcup.bsky.social team who managed the yearly tournament with their usual flair & aplomb, including having to cope with some ridiculous cheating! Take a moment to
