Gemstone Dragons

Gemstone Dragons are a specific type of dragon that have been recently classified as endangered. Their colors vary according to what type of gemstone or mineral they eat, i.e. rubies-red, sapphires-blue, onyx-black, and so on. They can live to 120 years.

Description
Gemstone dragons have existed for 27,000 years and their ancestors have been predicted to be much older. Because of mankind's selfish wants for their food source, these majestic creatures have decreased in population drastically and only 7,000 are left in the wild. DNA tests have shown that these dragons can live off only on gems and crystals without water because their large intestines grind up their food and liquify it to make a suitable source of liquid. Gemstone dragons share similar qualities like big wings, long slick legs, tall necks, and whiplike tails. Their main habitats are in caves or underground wells and tunnels. They dig out minerals with long, sharp, thick claws that tear and slice most things in their way. Dragons like these also have good eyesight for help in night tasks. Mostly nocturnal and shy away from people from inherited knownledge thousands of years ago.

A Gemstone dragon will choose a mate particularly any time of the year. They will dance and show off their long wings to try and impress a female. Also a male may offer gifts of emeralds or anthracite to a female and put on an act while she is eating. When a female has chosen a male, they will grab ahold of each other and fly upwards, making loops in the sky for several minutes and then fly back down. It can take 3-8 months for a female to start laying her eggs and will guard her hatchlings for 3 years and then abandon them. Baby gemstone dragons start out grey and, depending on what they mainly eat, will gradually change colors. Babies also will grow rapidly; a stunning 4 inches per week. Their wings are tiny and unusable so they cannot fly until they reach a mature age.

Sometimes young gemstone dragons will group together for protection called a Protection Pact. A Protection Pact will usually consist of 3-5 young dragons and separate at around the age of 14. It is rare for a dragon to die of old age because usually someone or something gets them first.