My field trip showed me how vague rock ID apps can be

I was out last weekend trying to name some quartz samples. The app I used only asked for color and shine. It gave me five possible matches that all looked different. This did not help with the small details that really matter. Now I get why paper guide books are still around. They have step by step checks and good photos. I think I will stick to books for now.

3 comments

3 Comments

wade_wells10h ago

Wait, the app only asked for color and shine? That's crazy for rock ID. Those two things alone can't tell quartz from a lot of other stuff. You need to check hardness or how it breaks, you know? I tried a few apps last year and got the same junk results. It just guesses based on a photo sometimes. Books force you to actually look at all the details, which is how you learn. Going back to books is the only smart move after that mess.

kim.margaret9h ago

Hey now, apps are faster for a rough idea.

reed.elliot6h ago

Those apps are basically fancy guessers with a phone attached! They miss the key tests that separate similar rocks. No surprise everyone goes back to the old book method.