>Can we reliably detect variable mineral formations in rocks, assuming a lack of highly precious and/or magical materials?
>If so, recount the pertinant information of our range at said to Daiyousei.
>You can sense the mineral content of rock formations in great detail, and highly precious materials are not necessarily more distinctive than mundane ones save for their rarity. Magical materials tend to be especially distinct, but it is not difficult for you to discern the presence of things like quartz, calcite, or feldspar. Obviously you are able to discern smaller quantities and more subtle patterning of minerals with increased proximity, though you can detect things more broadly at considerable range. The greatest problem with finding a particular rock from a distance is that there are probably countless rocks nearby with very similar composition. If you had yourself dowsed a particular rock in detail, you could probably find it again from a long way away, but it would be hard for someone to describe in words what distinguishes the composition of one rock from a very similar rock nearby.
>You explain this to Dai and she nods attentively, though a dubious frown remains on her face.
>"Well, I don't think they're really
that special," she says. "Just... an interesting shape, or a pretty pattern. I only know a little geology...."
>Her eyes light up a bit. "I think pineapple rock is tournamline. The top of it, I mean. About this big?" She holds her petite hands about a foot or so apart. "Would that be something you could find?"
>Then she sags again. "Though even if you could, I guess that doesn't really help you find the garden."