# Rock Identifier vs Bench Reference

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Rock Identifier | Bench Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | [4.2 (292 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rock-identifier-crystal-gem/id6553989682/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bench-reference/id6757015545/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **292** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 13.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 100 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Lumos apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1535604225) | [Aaron brown](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864220001) |

## What reviewers say

### Rock Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rock-identifier-crystal-gem/id6553989682)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Special Offer | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly offer | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Accurate identification (initially)
- 👍 Good information on stones
- 👍 Impressive accuracy rating (for some)
- 👍 Provides articles and insights

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Does not identify stones
- 😞 Server connection errors
- 😞 Misidentifies stones
- 😞 Requires payment for full functionality
- 😞 Paid features stop working

**Reported bugs**

- App stops identifying stones after purchase
- Server connection errors
- App misidentifies stones
- App states photos are too blurry
- App stopped working after an update

**Requested features**

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


### Bench Reference

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bench-reference/id6757015545)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*