Stardew Valley's Crystalarium: A Gem-Growing Guide
Stardew Valley offers more than just farming; shrewd players can amass wealth through strategic item farming, including gemstones. These valuable resources are useful in crafting and make excellent gifts. While mining for rare gems can be time-consuming, the Crystalarium offers a solution. This remarkable device allows players to multiply gemstones and minerals, significantly boosting profits. This guide covers obtaining and utilizing the Crystalarium, updated for the latest game version (1.6).
Obtaining a Crystalarium
To craft a Crystalarium, players need Level 9 Mining skill. The required materials are:
- 99 Stone: Easily obtained by breaking rocks.
- 5 Gold Bars: Smelt Gold Ore (found at mine levels 80 and below) using Coal in a Furnace.
- 2 Iridium Bars: Mine Iridium in Skull Cavern or obtain it daily from the Statue of Perfection (then smelt).
- 1 Battery Pack: Obtained by placing Lightning Rods outside during thunderstorms.
Alternatively, players can acquire a Crystalarium without crafting:
- Community Center Bundle: Complete the 25,000g bundle in the Vault.
- Museum Donation: Donate at least 50 minerals (gemstones or geodes) to the Museum.
Using the Crystalarium
Place the Crystalarium anywhere—indoors or outdoors. The Quarry is a popular location for mass production.
The Crystalarium replicates any mineral or gemstone (excluding Prismatic Shards). Quartz has the shortest growth time but low value. Diamonds offer the highest profit, despite a 5-day growth period.
To relocate or change the gemstone within a Crystalarium, use an axe or pickaxe to remove it from its location. The current gem will drop. To switch gems, simply interact with the machine while holding the desired gemstone; the old gem will be ejected.
By strategically using the Crystalarium, players can significantly increase their income and enhance their relationships with Pelican Town's residents through generous gifting.
