Care and Handling of Stone Companions

Despite their quiet nature and solid disposition, rocks thrive best when treated with dignity, consistency, and a touch of creativity. Whether you're a first-time rock parent or a lifelong stone steward, this care guide offers foundational tips on how to make your Pet Rock feel like more than just a paperweight.

 Most stony companions are extremely adaptable, but like all companions, they appreciate thoughtful surroundings.

• Display shelves, sunny windowsills, desktop corners, and nightstands
• Small beds, bowls, or padded boxes for those who prefer boundaries 
• Outdoor options (porches, planters, and patios) are acceptable with proper weathering precautions
   

• Avoid overly damp environments unless your rock is sedimentary and enjoys moss growth. Damp, humid, or freezing conditions, especially for rocks with cracks or crevices—can allow moisture to seep in and, in cold temperatures, expand and split the rock apart. 
• If displayed outdoors, check for shifting or rolling hazards—rocks appreciate stability.
• Never place heavy rocks on glass shelves—they may look majestic, but gravity and glass are rarely friends.
• Make sure outdoor rocks are in stable locations. Rocks dislike sudden movement, tipping, or unplanned rolling.
• Keep away from doorways, walkways, and driveways. While stoic, most rocks don’t recover well from a crushing trauma.

While our stoic stony friends rarely complain, an occasional spa day never hurts.  Even the roughest rock appreciates a bit of pampering. 

• Use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently remove dust and debris.
• Water and mild soap are safe, but avoid harsh cleaners or acidic products, especially for limestone or marble.
• Let your Pet Rock air dry naturally on a clean towel.
   

• Wipe gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• Avoid soaking or scrubbing to preserve paint, accessories, or googly eyes.
• Keep out of prolonged, direct sunlight to prevent fading.

  Contrary to some rumors, boulders, stones, river rocks , gravel and pebbles do not require food or water. But they do benefit from routine interaction.

• Give your companion a name, a story, or even a daily affirmation.
• Create a human perching area nearby to encourage quiet interactions.
• Take it for walks (pocket rides count)- unless your companion demands to stay put.
• Build it a play area with sticks, moss, or sand or, if feasible, a feature garden area to enjoy.
• Depending on your companion's disposition, it may enjoy a fairy garden or gnome village.
• Create a rotation schedule so it enjoys new spots in your home or scenery to enjoy.
• Stony companions are known to relish mood lighting, candles and soft solar lights.
• Rocks are proud and like their comfort, too. Give them display perches and soft beds. Tell them how amazing they are. Stroke their egos once in a while. But remember to tuck them in at night.
• While not visible, stones have ears and hearts. Read to them... Talk out loud... Laugh... Cry...

 Many rocks feature beautiful fractures or natural gaps—but these need special care.

• Cracks and crevices can absorb water. In cold conditions, that water freezes and expands, often splitting the rock.
• Never soak cracked rocks. Rinse gently and dry immediately. 
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can stress the rock and worsen fissures. 
• Fragile rocks (like shale or schist) may flake or shed, especially if dropped or handled frequently

Yes, even rocks have accidents. Whether from careless drops, weather exposure, or a tumble off the shelf, sometimes your rock needs a little TLC.

• Smooth sharp edges gently with fine-grit sandpaper.
• Buff clean with a soft cloth. Display with honor—imperfections are stories.
   

• Carefully collect all parts and store them together.
• Many owners consider this a bond expansion—you now have twins!
• If desired, you may reunite the halves with clear epoxy or stone-safe adhesive. Allow to cure fully before handling.
• Embrace the symbolism. Even fractured, your Pet Rock is whole in spirit.

 Your rock may be tough, but it's not indestructible—or entirely solitary.  Rocks can be surprisingly vulnerable. 

• Rocks don’t require constant attention, but they appreciate not being forgotten at the back of the sock drawer.  
• Many rocks enjoy community—consider a bowl of gravel buddies or a shelf cluster of mixed breeds. However, avoid placing heavy igneous rocks on or near decorated or delicate companions unless each has its own carefully protected territory.
   

• Keep your rocks out of reach of toddlers (choking hazards) and mischevious miniature humans (rocks have a fear of flying) and far from edges to prevent rolling or falls (bouncing rocks rarely have a good outcome.)
• Never place them in microwaves or ovens (yes, it’s happened).
• While rocks naturally have a reflective personality and may be drawn to their silica cousin, they must always be supervised when near glass items or shelving. Rocks don't know their own strength or weight...

 Rocks are excellent travelers. Most are TSA-approved, immune to jet lag, and don’t require bathroom breaks.

• Carry in a padded pouch, box, or pocket.
• Keep them secure—pocket escapes are more common than you’d think. 
• Never leave in a hot car, especially if painted or glued.
• Larger rocks often refer to travel below lighter fragile items
• Consider a travel journal or photo diary for shared adventures.

 Pet Rocks don’t require affection—but many offer comfort to those who give it. Rocks may not speak—but they’re phenomenal listeners. And sometimes, silence speaks volumes...

• Many owners find therapeutic value in the ritual of checking in, polishing, or simply sharing space with their rock.
• Offer them a title or role in the home (e.g., “Stress Manager” or “Mood Stabilizer”).
• Give it a daily prompt or intention.
• Include them in meditation sessions or quiet moments.
• Include it in journaling sessions , yoga, or your treadmill routine.
• Ask your rock to pose for a painting. Most are very talented at this.
• Pose it for photos—some rocks enjoy social media stardom.

Your stony companion might be made of minerals, but the bond you form is something much deeper. It is very much alive. How we treat our stony companions reflects the humor, heart and humanity behind this entire global movement. 

From selection to display, travel to restoration- what we do does make a difference. A touch of care, creativity, and a little humor will help your rock to remain a loyal companion for generations to come (or at least geologic epochs).

Whether smooth or jagged, painted or plain, cracked or polished—your rock deserves a safe, honored, and intentional life. 

We are connected. We care. We show it.

Because the best relationships are rock-solid.

—Pet Rocks Show