Just realized my rock ID app habit has folks in my group arguing

I got into using a rock identification app on my device instead of carrying field guides. It lets me check samples fast and I love how easy it is. But my friend says apps can mess up and that books make you learn the rock traits for real. He thinks tapping a screen makes you skip the hard work of looking closely. I've found I label my finds quicker, but I do see his point about missing out on hands-on knowledge. So, is going digital a smart move or does it hurt how we learn geology? What's your take on this?

3 comments

3 Comments

rowan_hart1mo agoMost Upvoted

Feel your pain on that one. My own rock hunting buddy and I had the exact same argument last summer. I totally get loving the speed of an app, because who wants to lug heavy books around? But your friend isn't wrong about learning the traits. I found I was just matching pictures without really understanding why it was that type. Now I try to use the app to check my own guess after I've looked at the sample first. It keeps me honest. What kind of rocks are you usually trying to name?

gibson.holly1mo ago

Honestly though, is the debate between app speed and book learning even that deep? Like, we're all just picking up cool rocks for fun. If someone learns by an app, cool. If they learn from a book, also cool. Getting hung up on the "right way" seems to miss the point of just enjoying being outside and finding neat stuff. As long as you're not hurting anything, the method really doesn't matter. The whole thing feels like making a hobby into homework.

lilyh841mo ago

You mentioning matching pictures without really understanding why it was that type really speaks to me. I started bringing a small scratch kit to check hardness before I even open the app. What's the first trait you force yourself to notice now, like cleavage or luster, to make your guess?

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