Mineral Search
Mineral Search is a reference database for geology students and collectors, providing property data for over 5,500 minerals on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app serves as a digital field guide, but its failure to provide navigation controls prevents users from accessing the data they need.
For Geology students, mineral collectors, and hobbyists requiring a reference database for mineral identification.
What does it look like?
Key features
Searchable index of 5,500+ minerals with physical, chemical, and optical property data.
Tool for narrowing down mineral identity based on specific property inputs.
How much does it cost?
The app is offered as a free utility with no visible monetization or subscription tiers.
Velocity
Dormant developmentUX improvementsShow more...
Mineral Search has been inactive for 2,030 days, showing no signs of development or maintenance. The last recorded update was over five years ago, placing the app firmly in the zombie category. There is no evidence of ongoing support, feature expansion, or operational activity.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews upset.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- The lack of basic navigation controls makes it impossible to search for minerals or return to previous screens
1 of 1 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Mineral Search
How's the Education market?
Mineral Search holds a 1.0-star rating on the App Store with no active development since 2021. The lack of navigation controls creates a barrier to entry that prevents the app from competing with modern, functional reference tools.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Mineral Search
Where is it heading?
The market for geology reference tools is moving toward mobile-first, interactive interfaces that Mineral Search cannot match. The app's failure to provide navigation controls ensures it will continue to lose any remaining user interest.
- The five-year development hiatus indicates the app is in a permanent maintenance-free state, leading to inevitable user churn.
The SWOT
- 5,500+ mineral index provides a deep reference dataset for hobbyists
Next best moves
Sunset the application because the five-year development gap and critical navigation failures make recovery unviable → eliminate brand drag
The counter-intuitive read
The app's primary value is not its database…
Read the full takeBottom line
Mineral Search is a non-functional reference tool that has been abandoned by its developer, and the lack of basic navigation makes it a liability for the brand.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Mineral Search good for geology students?
Does Mineral Search have ads or subscriptions?
What is a better alternative to Mineral Search?
Sources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated