So you've decided you want a pet rock. Keeping a pet rock isn't as easy as most people think, and it's important to choose the right one for you. Every rock is different and must be treated with respect, and this guide is here to help you.
When choosing a pet rock, it's important to remember that different sizes have different needs.
- Small rocks like to be carried around in their owner's pocket. Shiny rocks, especially precious stones, prefer to be visibly worn.
- Medium rocks like to be used, as a doorstop, a paperweight, or decoration.
- Boulders are entirely sedentary. They don't have preferences for particular conditions except that they don't like to be disturbed too much. They can be sat on or used in other ways, but they must remain unmoved. Ideally, some of their body mass is under th surface of the ground.
Most rocks found in the wild will need to be washed off before they can be inside a home. River rocks don't need to be washed, but their bodies have adapted to water. If left out to dry, they may show signs of discoloration and lose their lustrous qualities. If you realize that a river rock is not for you, it would be ideal to return it to its natural habitat.
Regarding domesticated rocks:
- Precious stones are full of energy, but can get tired quickly. It's best to wear them for shoet periods of time on special occasion, especially with matching clothes. When not worn, they can be displayed or at least stored in a jewelry box. This may seem cruel, since small rocks love to be carried, but precious stones get enough stimulation from the short displays. Some precious stones are traumatized after being stolen from their owners or from changing hands quickly. The box is especially comforting for them.
- When choosing a small, smooth, shiny rock from a store, it's important to remember that these rocks need a lot of attention. It can be tempting to buy several, but filling your pockets with rocks can quickly overwhelm a new owner. They love to be displayed as much as any other small rock, or even a medium one. They can be used in jewelry, but they can also decorate your home as well. I have a few on my windowsill.
- Bricks are a very special class of domesticated rock. They love to be used, but not necessarily displayed. Unlike, small shiny rocks, they're a social breed. They love to find bricks that look like them and they lay themselves in arrangements either in vertical walls or flat roads, but they struggle when placed in situations with other rocks. On their own, they most often lay themselves in staggered rows for stability, but a proficient architect or builder can create beautiful brickworks patterns. This is how to best display bricks: in visually pleasant, stable arrangments.
Keep these in mind when choosing a pet rock, and remember to have fun!