Mark your calendars for the return of Mystery Mineral Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2021 in the Northwest Gallery. The always-anticipated event runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Every year, the Museum organizes a panel of experts in the fields of rock & mineral identification, fossil study, and meteorite analysis. We bring together experts from multiple fields to inspect your “mystery” finds and tell you what you’ve found. The event is FREE with paid general admission. We encourage you to schedule an appointment. Limit 5 items ID’d per person. Capacity will be limited.
OUR EXPERTS:
Greg Carr
Local Amateur Paleontologist Greg Carr is an active member of the North American Research Group (NARG), a frequent contributor and member of the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals and has volunteered for years at OMSI. Greg has prepared, loaned, donated, or conserved many impressive specimens for the museum, including “Bernie” the Thalattosaur, a large Brontothere skull, and an impressive plate of local Crinoids.
Jill Johanssen
Jill describes herself as “one of those kids who loved rocks”. For as long as she can remember she was picking up rocks, putting in her pockets, (and one up her nose), then stashing them in a large shoe box under the stairs in her father’s garage. It was a hobby Jill studied on her own and though she took some Geology in college, it was only the rock science that really had her interest. Jill attended the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and turned her hobby into a career. Her goal is to one day teach Gemology and share her passion with others. Nothing makes her happier than seeing people of all ages get excited to learn and knowing she can help inspire rock lovers everywhere.
Melinda Hutson
Melinda has always been interested in space, graduating as a child from fairy tales to science fiction/fantasy. The view of the Earth as a planet, with global processes (plate tectonics) causing much of the awesome and deadly geologic processes fascinates her—she likes looking at “the big picture”. Melinda is full time faculty at Portland Community College, a research assistant professor/adjunct faculty at Portland State University, and curator of the Cascadia Meteorite Laboratory, where she classifies new meteorites.
Gene Meieran
Gene, an Intel Senior Fellow (retired) received his Doctor’s degree in Materials Science from MIT in 1963; he chose this field as his profession directly as a result of starting to collect natural crystals as early as 1948! Gene is well known in the mineral field for his contributions to many mineral museums as well as for his many fascinating mineral displays at Tucson and Munich shows. He is Chairman of the Board for the University of Arizona Mineral Museum, and Vice President of the Board of Rice NW Museum, as well as serving on various university boards in his technical profession. Gene is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has an honorary doctorate from Purdue University.
Scott Ankenbrand
Scott has spent his professional life in the Financial sector, first working for the US Treasury as a bank examiner and then in the private sector, but he has a lifelong love affair with minerals! He still has the very first specimen that started the obsession. He appreciates the aesthetics of all minerals, but has a special interest in fluorites and quartz. However, he will gravitate towards any specimen that he finds visually appealing, from thumbnails to large cabinet pieces. Scott continues to have a passion for field collecting, and tries to take a trip every year. Even if he doesn’t find a world class specimen, the adventure, and the friends made, is a major part of the fun. Scott is a member and on the Board of Directors of the Pacific NW Friends of Mineralogy.