Comparison

Rock Identifier vs Bench Reference

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Rock Identifier

Instantly identify stones, gems, minerals, and crystals using your device's camera. Get detailed information on composition, formation, and common uses. Organize your discoveries and learn about their properties.

Highlights
  • Instant rock and crystal identification via photo
  • Detailed information on mineral composition, hardness, and origin
  • Gemstone authentication guide
  • Extensive rock and crystal encyclopedia
  • Personal rock collection manager
  • AI accuracy with confidence levels
Features
Read full description

Discover the power of Rock Identifier, your all-in-one Rock & Crystal Scanner for identifying stones, gems, minerals, and crystals. Whether you're a seasoned geologist or a curious beginner, Rock Identifier transforms your device into an intelligent rock scanner that unlocks the secrets of Earth's treasures. Instant Rock & Crystal Identification Simply take a photo or upload an image of any rock, crystal, or mineral, and our advanced AI will provide you with accurate results in seconds. Rock Id can recognize over 6,000 types of rocks and minerals! Comprehensive Stone Information Each Rock identification includes: • Rock type and specific name • Mineral composition • Texture and hardness • Color variations • Formation process • Geological age • Common uses • Locations where it can be found AI Accuracy Our Rock Identifier provides a confidence level for each identification, ensuring reliable results for your rock hunting adventures. Gemstone Authentication Guide Learn to distinguish real from fake gemstones with our practical identification methods, considering factors like color, cleavage, fracture, touch, shape, and transparency. Rock & Crystal Encyclopedia Explore our extensive database of stones, crystals, and minerals. Discover healing properties, zodiac connections, and fascinating facts about each specimen. Personal Rock Collection Manager Build and organize your digital rock collection within Rock Identifier. Add notes, create wishlists, and track your geological discoveries. Join over 1 million rock enthusiasts who have already discovered the wonders of the mineral world with Rock Identifier! Whether you're a rock hound, crystal collector, or geology student, our Rock & Crystal Scanner is your ultimate companion for mineral exploration and learning. Download Rock Identifier now and embark on your journey to become a rock expert! Uncover the stories hidden within every stone, crystal, and mineral you encounter. Note: Rock Identifier offers optional premium features through in-app purchases. Subscription details are available within the app. --- Privacy Policy: https://www.kovalee.app/privacy-policy Terms of use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Bench Reference

This professional jeweler's reference guide provides comprehensive information on gemstones, metals, and bench techniques. It includes calculators for pricing, measurements, and 3D printing, along with a personal library and learning tools. Essential for jewelers needing quick access to data and procedures without an internet connection.

Highlights
  • Gemstone and material reference
  • Bench technique guides
  • Metal properties and working notes
  • Repair procedures
  • Measurement and data conversions
  • Professional calculators
  • Personal library system
Features
Read full description

Bench Reference — The Professional Jeweler's Pocket Guide Everything a bench jeweler needs, right on your phone. Bench Reference puts 30+ reference sections, professional calculators, and a personal library system in your pocket — no internet required. GEMSTONES & MATERIALS Browse 100+ gemstones with Mohs hardness, specific gravity, refractive index, care instructions, setting tips, steam safety, and cleaning methods. Filter by hardness or steam safety to make quick decisions at the bench. Plus dedicated sections for pearls, birthstones, gemstone origins, and stone shapes. BENCH TECHNIQUES Step-by-step reference guides for stone setting (prong, bezel, pavé, channel, flush, tension), soldering, casting, polishing, engraving, wax carving, repairs, annealing, torch & gas, laser welding, rhodium plating, patina & oxidation, and chemical safety. Each section built from real bench experience. 23 METALS Melting points, annealing temps, hardness, specific gravity, and working notes for every metal you'll encounter — from 24K gold and platinum to palladium, steel, and titanium. REPAIRS HUB Sizing up, sizing down, shank replacement, prong rebuilding, chain repair, clasp replacement, soldering guides, porosity troubleshooting, and more. A complete repair reference when you're at the bench. MEASUREMENTS & DATA Ring sizes (US/UK/EU with conversions), wire gauge reference, MM-to-carat weight charts by stone shape, chain styles, necklace and bracelet lengths, finding sizes, and formulas for weight, pricing, and alloy calculations. IDENTIFICATION & TESTING Gemstone testing methods, acid testing procedures for gold, silver, and platinum, hallmark identification, metal allergy reference, and a Stone ID table with SG and RI values for quick identification. PROFESSIONAL TOOLS Ring Blank Calculator — stock length for any ring size Metal Weight Calculator — weight by dimensions and alloy Job Pricing Calculator — materials, labor, and markup Temperature Converter — Fahrenheit and Celsius Weight Converter — grams, dwt, troy oz, carats Bench Timer — burnout and casting countdowns 3D PRINT & CAD Castable resin profiles, resin comparison charts, shrinkage calculator, burnout schedules, support placement guide, troubleshooting, post-processing, printer settings, and stone-in-place casting. Plus MatrixGold CAD shortcuts and workflows. MY LIBRARY Your personal database. Store product specs, component details, alloy recipes, consumable inventory, and supplier contacts. Add photos, SKUs, links, and notes. Organized by category, searchable, and always with you. LEARN & PRACTICE Flashcards and quizzes covering gemstones, metals, setting techniques, and bench skills. Study at your own pace. Perfect for apprentices and seasoned jewelers brushing up. GLOSSARY 200+ jewelry industry terms defined clearly — from bail to burnisher, firescale to findings. NEW IN v8.1 Redesigned splash screen and home page Expanded and fact-checked reference data across metals, solders, gemstones, and casting Added Wire Gauge reference, Patina & Oxidation section, and new gemstones to Stone ID Fixed display issues and icons throughout the app General polish and performance improvements BUILT FOR THE BENCH No ads. No subscriptions. No internet required. Bench Reference is built by jewelers for jewelers — a single purchase that works offline, everywhere you need it.

Screenshots

Rock Identifier4 screens
Bench Reference4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Bench Reference at 100% against Rock Identifier's 14%. Bench Reference also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 9). Rock Identifier's advantage is price (Free vs $4.99) and ratings volume (292 vs 2). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Rock Identifier is free to download; Bench Reference costs $4.99 up front. Rock Identifier sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Bench Reference asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Bench Reference holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Rock Identifier has 292 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Rock Identifier's written reviews are positive against 100% of Bench Reference's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Rock Identifier ships an update every 9 days, Bench Reference weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Rock Identifier versus Bench Reference: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRock IdentifierBench Reference
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating4.2 (292 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews13.6% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings292 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB3 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperLumos appsAaron brown

Customer experience

Rock Identifier

All ratings292 ratings
Positive78.8%
Neutral5.1%
Negative16.1%
Written reviews22 reviews
Positive13.6%
Neutral4.5%
Negative81.8%

Bench Reference

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Rock Identifier

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • App stops identifying stones after purchase
  • Server connection errors
  • App misidentifies stones
  • App states photos are too blurry
  • App stopped working after an update
Show 1 more
  • App requires payment after initial free scans

Requested features

5 requests
  • Fix identification issues
  • Improve server connection
  • Restore lost features after update
  • Provide accurate identification consistently
  • Respond to user issues

Bench Reference

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

9 purchases

Rock Identifier

Subscriptions9
  • Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Monthly$4.991 Month
Show 6 more
  • Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Yearly Special Offer$14.991 Year
  • Yearly offer$14.991 Year
  • Yearly Subscription$19.991 Year
  • Yearly$19.991 Year
  • Yearly$29.991 Year
None

Bench Reference

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Rock Identifier free?
Rock Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bench Reference free?
Bench Reference costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Rock Identifier or Bench Reference?
Bench Reference is rated higher. Rock Identifier averages 4.2 out of 5 from 292 ratings, while Bench Reference averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Rock Identifier or Bench Reference have ads?
Neither Rock Identifier nor Bench Reference shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Rock Identifier or Bench Reference?
Rock Identifier ships an update every 9 days, and Bench Reference weekly. Most recently, Rock Identifier was updated on November 4, 2026 and Bench Reference on November 5, 2026.

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