Bones Unearthed: Unlocking Secrets in Stardew Valley

This guide delves into the utility of Bone Fragments in Stardew Valley, a crafting material introduced in the 1.5 update and subtly altered in the 1.6 update. Initially obtained from monsters and specific rocks, their true value unlocks upon completing Gunther's "Fragments of the Past" Special Order. This quest rewards players with the Bone Mill recipe, transforming bone fragments into valuable fertilizers.

Bone Fragment Acquisition:

• Volcano Dungeon: Serpent-like monsters (20-50% drop rate).
• Ginger Island Dig Site: Bone Nodes (rocks with visible fossilized bones).
• Artifact Spots (Post-"Fragments of the Past"): 20% chance to yield 2-5 fragments.
• Max-Friendship Dog: A befriended dog has a chance to gift bone fragments daily.

Bone Fragment Uses:

Completing Gunther's "Fragments of the Past" Special Order (requiring 100 fragments) unlocks the Bone Mill and a 3,500g reward. The Bone Mill processes bone fragments (and fossils) into various fertilizers: Speed-Gro, Deluxe Speed-Gro, Tree Fertilizer, and Quality Fertilizer.

Beyond the Bone Mill, Bone Fragments are crucial components in crafting:

• Deluxe Speed-Gro: (Recipe acquired at Farming Level 8) Boosts crop growth speed by 25%. Requires 10 Bone Fragments, 1 Oak Resin.
• Bone Mill: Requires 10 Bone Fragments, 3 Clay, 20 Stone.
• Skull Brazier: (Purchased from Robin) Decorative item. Requires 10 Bone Fragments.
• Dark Sign: (Recipe from Krobus at 3 hearts) Customizable sign. Requires 5 Bone Fragments, 5 Bat Wings.
• Thorns Ring: (Recipe at Combat Level 7) Damages attackers. Requires 50 Bone Fragments, 50 Stone, 1 Gold Bar.
• Ostrich Incubator: (Recipe from Professor Snail) For hatching ostrich eggs. Requires 50 Bone Fragments, 50 Hardwood, 20 Cinder Shards.
• Hyper Speed-Gro: (Purchased from Mr. Qi) Boosts crop growth by 33%. Requires 3 Bone Fragments, 1 Radioactive Ore, 1 Solar Essence.
• Challenge Bait: (Recipe at Fishing Mastery) Increases fishing yields. Requires 5 Bone Fragments, 2 Moss.

Bone Mill Functionality:

The Bone Mill uses 5 bone fragments (or fossils/artifacts) to produce one of four fertilizers randomly. This provides a sustainable fertilizer source.