who turned everyone to stone in dr stone

It was the Why-Man —more specifically, the petrification devices tied to Why-Man are identified as the cause of humanity being turned to stone in Dr. Stone.

Quick Scoop

In the story’s later reveals, the event wasn’t caused by a single human villain in the usual sense. Instead, the source is the mysterious petrification technology associated with Why-Man, which is what turned people into stone.

In plain terms

• Early on, the cause is a mystery.
• Later, the series points to Why-Man and the petrification devices as the answer.
• That’s why fans usually say “Why-Man turned everyone to stone,” even though it’s really the devices behind the event.

Why it matters

The mystery of who caused the petrification is one of the biggest hooks in Dr. Stone. It drives Senku’s goal to understand the science behind the disaster and reverse it.