OSRS Mithril Pickaxe vs Adamant Pickaxe: Which One Should You Choose?

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), picking the right tools can make or break your skilling experience, especially when it comes to Mining. Two popular mid-tier options, the Mithril Pickaxe and the Adamant Pickaxe, often leave players wondering which one is worth their time and gold. This blog post dives deep into the Mithril Pickaxe vs Adamant Pickaxe debate, comparing their stats, uses, costs, and overall value to help you decide which one suits your OSRS journey best. Whether you’re a casual miner or grinding to 99 Mining, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need!

Pickaxes are the backbone of the Mining skill in OSRS, determining how fast and efficiently you can extract ores from rocks. As you progress through Mining levels, better pickaxes unlock, offering improved mining speeds and sometimes additional perks. The Mithril and Adamant Pickaxes sit in the mid-tier range, bridging the gap between low-level tools like the Steel Pickaxe and high-end options like the Rune or Dragon Pickaxes. Let’s break down what each of these mid-tier contenders brings to the table.

What is the Mithril Pickaxe?

The Mithril Pickaxe is a lightweight, mid-level tool requiring a Mining level of 21 to use and an Attack level of 20 to wield. It’s a step up from the Steel and Black Pickaxes, offering a noticeable boost in mining speed for players progressing through the early-to-mid game.

What is the Adamant Pickaxe?

The Adamant Pickaxe takes things up a notch, requiring a Mining level of 31 and an Attack level of 30 to wield. It’s stronger and faster than the Mithril Pickaxe, making it a popular choice for players looking to optimize their mining efficiency as they approach higher-level ores.

Stats and Requirements Comparison

To understand which pickaxe is better for you, let’s start with a side-by-side look at their stats and requirements. These factors directly impact how quickly you can mine and what you’re able to wield based on your current levels.

Mithril Pickaxe Stats and Requirements

• Mining Level: 21
• Attack Level: 20
• Weight: 1.8 kg
• Mining Speed: Attempts to mine every 5 ticks (same as Black Pickaxe)
• Combat Stats: +13 Stab, +11 Slash, +3 Crush

Adamant Pickaxe Stats and Requirements

• Mining Level: 31
• Attack Level: 30
• Weight: 2.7 kg
• Mining Speed: Attempts to mine every 4 ticks
• Combat Stats: +20 Stab, +17 Slash, +5 Crush

Key Differences in Stats

The Adamant Pickaxe clearly outshines the Mithril Pickaxe in mining speed, moving from a 5-tick cycle to a 4-tick cycle. This means it attempts to mine ore 25% faster per swing, which can add up significantly over long mining sessions. However, the Mithril Pickaxe is lighter (1.8 kg vs 2.7 kg), which might appeal to players who value mobility, such as those training Runecrafting via the Abyss. Combat-wise, the Adamant Pickaxe also offers better stats, though pickaxes are rarely used as primary weapons.

Feature	Mithril Pickaxe	Adamant Pickaxe
Mining Level	21	31
Attack Level	20	30
Tick Cycle	5	4
Weight	1.8 kg	2.7 kg

Cost and Availability

Price and accessibility are crucial considerations, especially for free-to-play (F2P) players or Ironmen who can’t rely on the Grand Exchange (GE). Let’s explore how these pickaxes stack up in terms of cost and where you can get them.

Mithril Pickaxe Cost and Sources

The Mithril Pickaxe is relatively affordable:

• Grand Exchange: ~400-500 GP
• Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop (Dwarven Mine): 1,300 GP
• Other Sources: Dropped by Electric Implings (1/10 chance) in the Impetuous Impulses minigame

It’s cheap and widely available, making it an easy pickup for early-game players or those on a budget.

Adamant Pickaxe Cost and Sources

The Adamant Pickaxe is pricier but still accessible:

• Grand Exchange: ~2,000-2,500 GP
• Nurmof’s Pickaxe Shop: 3,200 GP
• Other Sources: Possible drop from Medium Clue Scroll caskets or The Gauntlet’s Reward Chest

While it costs significantly more, the Adamant Pickaxe’s improved performance justifies the investment for many players.

Which is More Cost-Effective?

For low-budget players or those below Mining level 31, the Mithril Pickaxe is the clear winner in terms of cost-effectiveness. However, if you can afford it and meet the level requirements, the Adamant Pickaxe offers better long-term value due to its faster mining speed, saving you time and potentially increasing your XP and profit rates.

Performance in Mining: XP and Efficiency

Mining efficiency isn’t just about swinging a pickaxe—it’s about how quickly you can gather resources and level up. Here’s how the Mithril and Adamant Pickaxes compare in real-world Mining scenarios.

Mithril Pickaxe Performance

At a 5-tick cycle, the Mithril Pickaxe is decent for mining early ores like Coal, Gold, or even Mithril itself. It’s a solid choice for players in the 20-30 Mining range, offering a balance of speed and accessibility. For example, mining Coal with a Mithril Pickaxe at level 30 might net you around 25,000-30,000 XP per hour, depending on focus and competition for rocks.

Adamant Pickaxe Performance

The Adamant Pickaxe’s 4-tick cycle gives it a clear edge, especially for mid-tier ores like Mithril or Coal. At level 31, you could see XP rates climb to 30,000-35,000 XP per hour on Coal, with even better gains as your Mining level increases. The faster cycle means more attempts to mine ore, which translates to faster XP and more resources over time.

Which is Better for XP?

If your goal is to power-level Mining, the Adamant Pickaxe is the superior choice once you hit level 31. The 25% faster mining attempts compound over hours of grinding, making it a must-have for serious miners. However, the Mithril Pickaxe holds its own for players still working toward that level 31 milestone.

Use Cases and Recommendations

Each pickaxe shines in different situations. Let’s explore where they fit best and who should use them.

When to Use the Mithril Pickaxe

• Early-Game Mining: Perfect for levels 21-30, especially for Coal or Gold mining.
• Runecrafting via Abyss: Its lighter weight (1.8 kg) makes it a niche favorite for players prioritizing run energy.
• Budget Players: Cheap and effective for F2P or low-GP accounts.

When to Use the Adamant Pickaxe

• Mid-Game Mining: Ideal for levels 31-40, tackling Mithril, Coal, or even Adamantite ores.
• Efficiency Seekers: Faster mining speed suits players aiming for higher XP rates or profit.
• Combat Utility: Slightly better stats for rare combat scenarios (e.g., Guardians in Chambers of Xeric).

Final Recommendation

For most players, the Adamant Pickaxe is the better investment once you reach Mining level 31. Its superior speed and efficiency outweigh the Mithril Pickaxe’s lower cost and weight in the long run. However, if you’re below level 31 or strapped for cash, the Mithril Pickaxe is a fantastic stepping stone that won’t disappoint. Ultimately, your choice depends on your levels, budget, and goals in OSRS.

So, which pickaxe will you wield on your Mining adventure? Drop your thoughts below, and happy mining!