# Gem Detector — A Game of Luck and Logic

> Logic puzzle game to find hidden gems using clues and deduction. (iPhone/iPad app by Karen McDonald.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-detector/id908421751 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Karen McDonald](https://appshunter.io/developer/687726952)
- Category: Games, Education, Strategy
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 11 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-09-07
- Data updated: 2026-07-01
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-detector/id908421751/reviews.md

## What is Gem Detector?

Finding gems is not all luck. Improve your chances by using logic to choose squares of land to excavate. Use clues to uncover gems and preserve green space by avoiding unnecessary digging. Learn and practice logic skills by using information that you discover as you excavate squares in plots of land in four different levels of grid sizes (4 x 4, 6 x 6, 8 x 8, and 10 x 10 grids). Play alone or with a friend.

Gems are randomly placed in plots of land made up of squares of grass. You excavate a square by touching it to reveal one of the following:

•  a gem,
•  dirt and rocks, 
•  dirt, rocks, and a number, or
•  a red dot superimposed on one of the non-gem alternatives.

The goal is to excavate all of the gems in a plot of land, using clues to make better decisions about which squares to excavate.

A number in an excavated square indicates that gems are in that number of adjoining squares. Players can use that information to make decisions about 

•  squares that either do or may contain gems and 
•  squares that will not contain gems. 

A square that reveals only dirt and rocks will have no gems in any adjacent square. 

A red dot will appear on any square that is excavated unnecessarily, so players can improve their skills by seeing their mistakes immediately. 

Features:

•  In Gem Detector, people of all ages can enjoy using logic to find gems! 
•  Players who enjoy Minesweeper can use similar logic skills in a different context to find gems.
•  Parents looking for less warlike alternatives to Minesweeper will appreciate Gem Detector.
•  Requires only single touches to excavate squares.
•  Game provides immediate feedback in a non-busy setting conducive to thoughtful exploration.
•  Gem Detector can be used educationally for practical math explorations. 
•  Self-contained. Players will not see ads. Children (and other players) will not have access to in-app purchases or Internet from within this app. 

Visit the website to download suggestions of educational activities that can be used with this app at home or in a classroom.

## Key features

- Logic-based gem discovery
- Clue system for deduction
- Multiple grid sizes
- Single-touch excavation
- Immediate feedback on mistakes
- Educational math exploration
- Single-player and two-player modes

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-detector/id908421751/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Enjoy

*2016-09-10, version 1.0*

My daughter really enjoys the game.

### 5/5 — Blank

*2015-08-08, version 1.0*

It has good graphics and is fun to play once you get the hang of it. It need sound though.

## Frequently asked questions about Gem Detector

### What is Gem Detector?

Gem Detector is a logic puzzle game where players use clues to find hidden gems. It offers a mentally stimulating experience for all ages, improving logic and deduction skills.

### How do you play Gem Detector?

You excavate squares on a grid, revealing gems, dirt, or numbers. Numbers indicate gems in adjacent squares, helping you deduce their locations and avoid unnecessary digging.

### What are the grid sizes in Gem Detector?

Gem Detector features four different grid sizes: 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, and 10x10, offering increasing levels of challenge.

### Can Gem Detector be played offline?

Yes, Gem Detector is self-contained and does not require an internet connection to play, making it suitable for offline enjoyment.

### Does Gem Detector have ads?

No, Gem Detector does not contain advertisements. Players will not see ads while playing the game.

### Are there in-app purchases in Gem Detector?

No, Gem Detector does not have in-app purchases. Children and other players will not have access to in-app purchases from within this app.

### What is the age rating for Gem Detector?

Gem Detector has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and players of all ages.

### How often is Gem Detector updated?

The latest version of Gem Detector is 1.3, which was last updated on November 12, 2020. Updates typically focus on improvements and new content.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.3 — 2020-11-12

Updated for current iOS requirements.

### 1.2 — 2017-09-30

Option for either one or two players using the same iPad; some changes in graphics

### 1.0 — 2014-09-04

No release notes.

## Apps similar to Gem Detector

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [HDFC Life Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hdfc-life-game/id1345978820) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Games |
| [CivWiz](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/civwiz/id1576527420) | — | Free | Games |

## More apps by Karen McDonald

- [Xyla and Yabu](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xyla-and-yabu/id689016796)
- [Crate World](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crate-world/id1053210764)
- [Math Scribble](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/math-scribble/id1071127923)
- [Perimetarea](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/perimetarea/id1150142929)

All apps by Karen McDonald: https://appshunter.io/developer/687726952

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-07-01.*