OSRS Mining Sandstone Guide: Best Methods for XP and Sand

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), mining sandstone is a fantastic way to train your Mining skill while gathering buckets of sand, a key resource for Crafting. Whether you’re an Ironman looking to stockpile sand or a regular player aiming for efficient XP, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mining sandstone in OSRS. From the best locations to optimal setups, we’ll cover it all to help you maximize your gains as of April 08, 2025.

Sandstone mining stands out in OSRS for its dual-purpose benefits: decent Mining XP and a steady supply of buckets of sand. Unlike other methods that focus solely on XP or profit, sandstone offers a balanced approach, making it especially appealing for Ironmen who need sand for glassblowing. Let’s break down the key reasons to consider this method.

Benefits for Mining XP

While not the fastest XP method (like Blast Mine or Volcanic Mine), sandstone mining provides a respectable 30k–60k XP per hour depending on your level and technique. It’s a solid mid-tier option for players who want consistent progress without the intensity of tick manipulation.

Gathering Buckets of Sand

Sandstone rocks yield various sizes (1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg), which can be processed into buckets of sand using the Sandstorm grinder. At higher levels, you can expect 2,000–3,500 buckets per hour normally, or up to 4,000–6,000 with advanced methods—perfect for Crafting training.

Who Should Mine Sandstone?

• Ironmen: Sandstone is the meta for gathering sand efficiently.
• Mid-level players: Ideal for those with 35+ Mining looking for a low-effort method.
• Multi-skillers: Pairs well with Crafting goals.

Getting Started: Requirements and Setup

Before you head to the quarry, you’ll need to meet some basic requirements and gear up properly. Here’s what you need to get started with sandstone mining in OSRS.

Minimum Requirements

• Mining Level 35: Required to mine sandstone rocks.
• Pickaxe: A rune pickaxe or higher is recommended (dragon or crystal if available).
• Desert Access: Complete basic desert travel (e.g., Enakhra’s Lament for Camulet teleport).

Recommended Gear

To optimize your sandstone mining, equip the following:

• Prospector Kit: 2.5% bonus Mining XP from Motherlode Mine.
• Varrock Armour 2+: 10% chance to mine extra sandstone.
• Celestial Ring: +4 invisible Mining boost and 10% extra ore chance (charged).
• Expert Mining Gloves: Extra sandstone per rock before depletion.
• Graceful Outfit: Reduces energy drain while running to the grinder.

Desert Heat Protection

The Kharidian Desert’s heat will drain your Hitpoints unless you’re prepared. Bring:

• Waterskins (4): Refillable with Humidify (Level 68 Magic).
• Desert Amulet 4: Eliminates heat damage (from Desert Elite Diary).
• Circlet of Water: Alternative to waterskins.

Where to Mine Sandstone in OSRS

Sandstone rocks are exclusive to the Kharidian Desert, with the primary location being the Desert Quarry south of the Bandit Camp. Here’s how to get there and what to expect.

Desert Quarry Location

The Desert Quarry is your go-to spot for sandstone mining. Access it via:

• Camulet Teleport: Fastest method (requires Enakhra’s Lament).
• Magic Carpet: From Shantay Pass to the Bandit Camp, then walk south.
• Pharaoh’s Sceptre: Teleport to Jaldraocht Pyramid, then head southwest.

Once there, you’ll find clusters of 3–4 sandstone rocks that respawn quickly, allowing continuous mining.

The Sandstorm Grinder

After mining, deposit your sandstone into the Sandstorm grinder west of the quarry. Speak to Drew to collect noted buckets of sand (50 gp each). This mechanic makes sandstone mining a game-changer for sand collection.

Mining Sandstone: Techniques and Strategies

Your mining efficiency depends on your approach. Here are the best techniques to maximize XP and sand output.

Standard Mining Method

For a relaxed experience:

1. Mine sandstone from 2–3 nearby rocks.
2. Run to the grinder and deposit when your inventory is full.
3. Repeat, managing waterskins or heat protection as needed.

Output: 2,000–3,500 buckets of sand and 30k–45k XP per hour at 70+ Mining.

3-Tick Mining (Advanced)

For higher rates, use 3-tick mining (3t4s):

1. Equip a knife and logs (or tar and herbs) for tick manipulation.
2. Click the rock, then an item to reset the mining cycle every 3 ticks.
3. Deposit at the grinder when full.

Output: 4,000–6,000 buckets of sand and 60k–80k XP per hour. This is click-intensive but highly rewarding.

Tips for Efficiency

• Stamina Potions: Keep run energy high for frequent grinder trips.
• Humidify Spell: Refill waterskins without leaving the quarry.
• World Hopping: Find less crowded worlds for uninterrupted mining.

Sandstone Mining XP and Sand Rates

Understanding your potential gains is key to planning your training. Here’s a breakdown of XP and sand yields based on sandstone sizes and levels.

XP per Sandstone Size

Sandstone Size	XP Gained	Sand Yield (Buckets)
1kg	30	1
2kg	40	2टर
5kg	50	5
10kg	60	10

Note: The size you receive is random, but higher Mining levels slightly favor larger blocks.

Hourly Rates by Level

• Level 35–50: 20k–30k XP, 1,500–2,000 buckets.
• Level 50–70: 30k–45k XP, 2,000–3,000 buckets.
• Level 70–99: 45k–60k XP (up to 80k with 3-tick), 3,000–6,000 buckets.

Cost Analysis

Processing sandstone costs 50 gp per bucket at Drew. For 3,000 buckets, that’s 150,000 gp per hour—a small price for Ironmen compared to buying sand, but regular accounts might prefer profit-focused methods like Runite mining.

Conclusion: Is Sandstone Mining Worth It?

Sandstone mining in OSRS strikes a unique balance between Mining XP and resource gathering, making it a top choice for Ironmen and mid-level players. While it won’t compete with high-intensity methods like Blast Mine for XP or Runite for profit, its efficiency in collecting buckets of sand is unmatched. Whether you opt for the standard method or master 3-tick mining, this guide equips you with the tools to succeed in the Desert Quarry.

Ready to start? Grab your pickaxe, head to the Kharidian Desert, and begin your sandstone mining journey today. Happy mining, and may your buckets of sand pile up fast!