On the biology of the Ridgeberg

On the biology of the Ridgeberg is a scientific paper written by Drobam Mantlebeard. It proposes a theory on the reproductive process on the Ridgeberg, a non carbon based creature that resembles a bipedal rock formation. The paper was published in the journal "Silicate beings of Dalmeran" "Northern Magith Biology" and is considered a pioneer in the study of alternative biochemistry, specifically alternative biochemical organic reproduction.
Introduction
Ridgeberg are gigantic creatures seemingly made out of stones. These creatures have a particular lifecycle and are completely made of mineral matter. They begin life as ore deposits containing amber, rock salt and flint. The deposit then later becomes the more mature form a rare ore deposit. 
Ore deposits often contain precious minerals such as diamonds, opals, sapphires, rubies, topaz and gleam stones. When this secondary maturation phase ends, the rare ore deposit will accumulate large stones around itself until becoming a full grown Ridgeberg. When the fully grown ridgeberg dies, it separates into smaller entities called Caillasses. Caillasse bodies often contain a single mineral block at the center of their stone exoskeleton. Caillasses migrate in groups away from where the adult ridgeberg died, and will try to find a safe place to implant themselves as ore deposits near the surface, beginning the cycle anew.
Ridgeberg
Main article: Ridgeberg
Ridgeberg are gigantic creatures seemingly made out of stones. Combat data concerning these creatures suggests that defeating them requires blunt force applied to an outcrop that closely resembles a rare ore deposit. When defeated, large quantities of precious and semi precious minerals can be retrieved from these creatures. 
Caillasses
Main article: Caillasse
Caillasses are smaller versions of Ridgeberg who are found in small groups all over Dalmeran. These creatures lack the ore deposit weak point of their larger relatives, but are also a source of minerals when defeated.
Ore deposits
Main article: Ore deposit
Finally, Dalmeran has a wealth of mineral resources in the form of ore deposits, rare ore deposits, and luminous stone deposits. We will be only focusing on the first two. 
As their name suggests, rare ore deposits are rarer than regular ore deposits and they almost always appear near regular ore deposits
Abstract
This study would like to propose a theory on the lifecycle of these curious creatures, that links all of the elements mentioned above. This study is based upon conjecture and theory in the absence of academic research on the link between Ridgeberg, Caillasses and Ore deposits in Dalmeran.
Discussion
The lifecycle of the Ridgeberg begins as Caillasses. These small creatures are found in little nomadic groups. These groups travel around Dalmeran in search of places to put down roots, so to speak. They often rest between migration periods semi buried in the ground but will emerge to defend themselves if they feel threatened. 
When a Caillasse group finds a suitable place where they are safe from predators. The areas often share the characteristics of being quiet and barren areas devoid of local fauna. The Caillasse troupe will settle in this quiet area and shed their outer core, revealing a newly formed ore deposit. These ore deposits contain common gemstones such as flint or amber. 
The Caillasses will then stay in a vegetative unmoving state until the ore deposit matures into a rare ore deposit. Ore deposits that reach maturity acquire minerals within itself that are considerably more valuable.
The first ore deposit to attain maturity will become a Ridgeberg. If disturbed, the rare ore deposit will accumulate stones to itself in the crude shape of a golem to fight off intruders. This is what is known as a Ridgeberg.
This means that the stone accumulation isn’t in fact the creature, the ore outcropping is.
It is supposed that the purpose of the adult Ridgeberg is to accumulate rare ores within its body and to protect the other less mature ore deposits invariably found around it. 
The next step in the reproductive process has never been observed but is speculated is that the Ridgeberg crumbles into new Caillasses who will repeat the process, exploring the wilds for a safe place for future ore deposits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this theory posits that all ore deposits in Dalmeran are in reality the intermediate stage between infancy and adulthood for Caillasses that will become Ridgeberg. 
== Counterarguments ==
The recent discovery of crystalline ridgeberg ore deposits, whose ore deposit is significantly different from regular ridgebergs, and create a hollow crystalline formation when positioned above a particular bioluminescent tree. This throws a lot of ridgeberg research in jeopardy as their relation to this tree is unknown. These crystals grow on ridgebergs growing in cold climates. 
Lyrean elves use the crystals to grow temporal safehouses using special gantries. The crystals start out small, the size of a median simian, then grow to the size of a house when in a gantry which can be turned into the safehouses. When the crystal is removed, it will shine a beam in the direction of the specific gantry it is to be placed in. 
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