Comparison

Gem Identifier vs Rock Scan

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

Head to head
About

Gem Identifier

Features
Read full description

Identify rocks, minerals, gemstones, and crystals from a photo and learn what makes each specimen unique. Gem Identifier is an AI-powered geology app built for rockhounding, hiking, travel, and everyday curiosity—snap a picture, get a detailed profile, and save it to your personal collection. WHAT YOU CAN DO: - Identify rocks, minerals, and gems from photos (camera or photo library) - Get a detailed specimen profile: common/mineral name, category, confidence score, description, and key properties - Learn physical properties like Mohs hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage/fracture - Save to your Collection and revisit past identifications anytime - Ask the AI Geology Expert for help with identification, geology questions, and safe field tests - Discover interesting facts and FAQs and learn something new every day MADE FOR ROCKHOUNDS Whether you’re exploring new trails, visiting beaches, or sorting your finds at home, Gem Identifier helps you recognize specimens faster and understand them better. Download Gem Identifier and start identifying your first rock today. SUBSCRIPTIONS Gem Identifier may offer optional subscriptions to unlock premium features. Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: https://gemidentifierapp.web.app/privacy.html Terms of Use: https://gemidentifierapp.web.app/terms.html

About

Rock Scan

Features
Read full description

Rock Scan is your simple rock, stone, and mineral identifier. Take a photo, scan your find, and get a clear explanation of what it could be in seconds. Whether you found an interesting stone on a walk, a crystal at home, or a mineral you cannot name, Rock Scan helps you understand what you are looking at. Use Rock Scan to: scan rocks, stones, minerals, and crystals identify possible rock types from a photo learn simple facts about your find compare visual features like color, texture, and shape build your own collection of discovered stones Rock Scan is made for curious people, collectors, hikers, students, and anyone who has ever picked up a stone and thought: “Wait… what is this?” No complicated geology terms. No confusing charts. Just a fast, easy way to identify rocks and minerals from your phone. Start scanning your stones today and turn every walk into a small discovery. Terms of use: https://www.notion.so/dustinspyra/Rock-Scan-Terms-of-Use-352f708db47280e99242c2aeacaa5637?source=copy_link

Screenshots

Gem Identifier4 screens
Rock Scan4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Rock Scan at every 4 days against Gem Identifier's every 2 weeks. Rock Scan also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Gem Identifier sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days and Rock Scan sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Gem Identifier ships an update every 2 weeks, Rock Scan every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
Gem Identifier versus Rock Scan: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGem IdentifierRock Scan
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB85 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHabib Yagiz DemirDustin Jan Spyra

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Gem Identifier

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Premium$7.997 Days
  • Yearly Premium$39.991 Year
2 purchases

Rock Scan

Subscriptions2
  • Rock Scan Pro Weekly3 Days trial$3.997 Days
  • Rock Scan Pro Yearly$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Gem Identifier free?
Gem Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Rock Scan free?
Rock Scan is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Gem Identifier or Rock Scan have ads?
Neither Gem Identifier nor Rock Scan shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Gem Identifier or Rock Scan?
Gem Identifier ships an update every 2 weeks, and Rock Scan every 4 days. Most recently, Gem Identifier was updated on October 25, 2026 and Rock Scan on October 3, 2026.

Other comparisons