BREEDS OF PET ROCKS

The Originals. Formed from Fire.
Igneous rocks are born from molten lava or magma, making them the oldest souls in the Pet Rock kingdom. They’re strong, independent, and often striking in appearance.

Popular Igneous Breeds:

• Basalt: Dark, fine-grained, dependable. A good “starter rock” for those who want loyalty and stability.
   
• Obsidian: Jet-black and glassy. Sleek, mysterious, and a fan favorite in agility displays (though they rarely move).
   
• Granite: Speckled, tough, and often chosen for “working Pet Rocks” (bookends, paperweights).
   

Where Commonly Found: Volcanic regions, mountainous areas, and cooled lava fields—especially in the western U.S., Iceland, and parts of Japan.

Cautions / Common Flaws or Weaknesses: Obsidian can be sharp or brittle when chipped; granite can be heavy and may intimidate smaller shelf companions.

Personality Traits: Stoic, resilient, a bit fiery underneath.

 The Gentle Accumulators. Built Layer by Layer.
Formed through the accumulation and compaction of sediment, these rocks have lived many lives. They're the most relaxed of the breeds—perfect for companionship and long-term lounging.

Popular Sedimentary Breeds:

• Limestone: Soft, light-colored, and often content to sit quietly in sunbeams.
   
• Sandstone: Earth-toned and dependable. Very photogenic.
   
• Shale: Flaky and mysterious, but loyal once bonded.
   

Where Commonly Found: Lakeshores, deserts, canyons, and anywhere erosion or water once played a role—Utah, Arizona, and parts of Europe are rich with sedimentary options.

Cautions / Common Flaws or Weaknesses: Shale is prone to flaking and prefers low-handling homes; limestone may be sensitive to acidic environments (watch your citrus!).

Personality Traits: Thoughtful, layered, often sentimental.

 The Transformative Thinkers. Changed by Pressure.
These rocks were once igneous or sedimentary—until intense heat and pressure transformed them. Their personalities are complex and their patterns unique. Many are prized for their beauty and depth.

Popular Metamorphic Breeds:

• Marble: Smooth, elegant, with a classic show presence.
   
• Slate: Cool, flat, and intelligent. Known to make lists.
   
• Schist: Sparkly and dramatic. Popular in costume categories.
   

Where Commonly Found: Near fault lines and mountain-building zones. Look to the Appalachians, the Alps, and quarries worldwide for standout specimens.

Cautions / Common Flaws or Weaknesses: Marble scratches easily and dislikes rough play; schist can flake under pressure and needs gentle handling.

Personality Traits: Sophisticated, introspective, loves a good backstory.

 While most Pet Rocks fall under the three main classifications, there’s a small group often referred to as Thoroughbreds. These include precious and semi-precious stones like Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds—rocks that never mix with others and maintain singular mineral compositions.

They’re stunning. They’re untouchable. And let’s face it, they’re usually kept in glass cases rather than entered in Costume or Obedience rounds.

Where Commonly Found: Deep within the Earth’s mantle, or more commonly, high-end jewelry stores. Often unearthed in Africa, South America, and select U.S. mines.

Cautions / Common Flaws or Weaknesses: While beautiful, they’re less interactive and may lack the grounding warmth of a more common rock. They also tend to overshadow other rocks emotionally.

Note: Owning a Thoroughbred doesn’t make your other rocks less special. In fact, many Pet Rock owners choose to adopt from local riverbeds or gardens, giving ordinary rocks extraordinary lives.

 While not strictly geological categories, many Pet Rocks are chosen for how they feel, not how they’re classified.

Popular Companion Breeds:

• River Rocks: Smooth, rounded, and calming. Often called the “Golden Retrievers” of the Pet Rock world.
   
• Gravel Mixes: Small and scrappy. Great for community tanks or multi-rock households.
   
• Painted Rocks: Highly expressive. Often found in the “Artistic Expression” or “Costume” categories of shows.
   

Where Commonly Found: Driveways, creek beds, landscaping borders, painted rock trails, and playground edges.

Cautions / Common Flaws or Weaknesses: River rocks may roll off shelves without warning; painted rocks can chip, and their personalities may vary depending on the art applied.

 Whether you lean igneous or sedimentary, show-ready or well-worn, every Pet Rock has value. Knowing their scientific type isn’t just educational—it deepens the connection. 

After all, caring about your companion means understanding where they come from, both physically and emotionally.

So study the layers, admire the grains,

 and never forget:
Every great Pet Rock starts with a solid foundation.