# Minera: Mineral ID — Mineral ID by real properties

> Offline mineral identification tool based on observable physical properties. (iPhone/iPad app by Luke Macmillan.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minera-mineral-id/id6754896560 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Luke Macmillan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1850834011)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.1 · 177 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2025-11-14
- Data updated: 2026-06-01
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minera-mineral-id/id6754896560/reviews.md

## What is Minera?

Minera: Mineral ID is a professional field and classroom tool for identifying minerals the way geologists are trained, by observable physical properties, no AI gimmicks or photo-matching. Built by a working geologist, Minera guides you through the same logical process used in the field and lab: fast, transparent, and scientifically defensible.

Whether you’re a student learning mineralogy or a professional geologist mapping in remote terrain, Minera helps you make accurate identifications using the criteria that matter — colour, hardness, streak, lustre, cleavage, habit, transparency, and density. Each step reflects real geological reasoning, not automated guessing.

Unlike camera-based apps, Minera doesn’t depend on internet access or unreliable image recognition. It works entirely offline and keeps your data private — ideal for fieldwork in isolated locations where connection is limited or confidentiality is essential.

The app’s interface is designed for both speed and clarity: filter minerals by physical traits, compare side-by-side results, and review concise diagnostic notes for over 300 minerals commonly encountered in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Each entry includes formulae, crystal system, habit descriptions, and key distinguishing features, presented in clean, field-friendly format.

Minera also helps bridge classroom learning with real-world practice. Teachers and students can use it as a digital field guide that reinforces observation and reasoning — the foundation of good geology. From a quick hand specimen check to a detailed lab cross-reference, Minera’s structured approach helps you think like a mineralogist.

Key Features
• Identify minerals by true observable properties — not photos
• Over 300 species with diagnostic traits and field notes
• Powerful filtering by colour, hardness, lustre, habit, streak, cleavage, SG, and more
• Compare multiple minerals side-by-side for clarity
• Works completely offline — no ads, accounts, or data collection
• Designed by a geologist for students, professionals, and serious enthusiasts

Privacy Policy field: https://htmlpreview.github.io/?https://gist.githubusercontent.com/mineralabs/355046f995d0eb0507f4b4e98d90a1fe/raw/privacy-policy.html


Terms/EULA: either add to the App Description (e.g., “Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/”) or put the same URL in the EULA field.

Minera: Identify like a geologist. Fast. Transparent. Defensible.

Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Identify minerals by observable properties
- Over 300 mineral species with diagnostic traits
- Filter minerals by physical characteristics
- Compare mineral side-by-side
- Works completely offline
- Designed by a geologist

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minera Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Minera Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


## Recent user reviews (1 of 1)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minera-mineral-id/id6754896560/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Enormous fee

*2025-12-29*

$40 per year is insane. $4 maybe but $40 is outrageous

## Frequently asked questions about Minera

### How does Minera identify minerals?

Minera identifies minerals by guiding users through observable physical properties like color, hardness, streak, and luster, mirroring the methods used by geologists. It does not rely on AI or photo matching, ensuring a scientifically defensible identification process.

### Does Minera work offline?

Yes, Minera works completely offline, making it ideal for fieldwork in remote locations or areas with limited internet access. This offline functionality also ensures your data remains private.

### What is the difference between Minera and other mineral ID apps?

Unlike camera-based apps, Minera focuses on observable physical properties and logical reasoning, not image recognition. This approach is more scientifically robust and reliable, especially in varied field conditions.

### How many minerals does Minera include?

Minera includes diagnostic traits and field notes for over 300 commonly encountered mineral species. Each entry provides detailed information relevant to identification and classification.

### Is Minera suitable for beginners?

Yes, Minera is designed for both students learning mineralogy and professional geologists. Its structured approach reinforces observation and reasoning, making it a valuable tool for all levels of expertise.

### What are the subscription options for Minera Pro?

Minera offers subscription plans including Minera Pro Monthly at $3.99 with a 1-day free trial, and Minera Pro Yearly at $39.99 with a 7-day free trial. These plans likely unlock additional features or content.

### How often is Minera updated?

The app was last updated on November 29, 2025, indicating active development. Updates typically bring improvements, new features, or expanded mineral databases.

### What devices is Minera available on?

Minera is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed to be accessible on Apple's mobile platform.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.07 — 2025-11-29

Added new paywall provider.

### 1.0.5 — 2025-11-24

Updated app icon for a cleaner look
Small UI refinements
New support url

### 1.0.1 — 2025-11-15

No release notes.

## More apps by Luke Macmillan

- [Saintly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saintly/id6757254508)

All apps by Luke Macmillan: https://appshunter.io/developer/1850834011

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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 2026-06-01.*