OSRS Amethyst Mining Guide for Maximum Profit and XP

In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), amethyst mining stands out as a rewarding high-level activity for players looking to earn gold and gain mining experience. Requiring a Mining level of 92, amethyst is the highest-level ore you can mine, offering decent profits and a relatively AFK-friendly approach compared to other methods like runite mining. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about amethyst mining, from requirements and gear to strategies for maximizing efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned miner or just hitting level 92, this guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in the Mining Guild.
Amethyst mining is a popular choice for high-level players due to its balance of profitability and low-effort gameplay. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- High Profit Potential: Amethyst can yield around 300,000 to 500,000 GP per hour, depending on market prices and your setup.
- Decent XP Rates: You’ll earn approximately 20,000 to 21,600 Mining XP per hour, which is slower than power-mining but less click-intensive.
- AFK-Friendly: With a respawn time of about 75 seconds, amethyst mining allows you to relax or multitask.
- Crafting Opportunities: Amethyst can be chiselled into valuable ranged ammunition, boosting your profits or supporting Ironman accounts.
While it’s not the fastest way to 99 Mining, its profitability and relaxed pace make it a solid option for players prioritizing gold or a laid-back skilling experience.
Requirements for Amethyst Mining
Before you can start mining amethyst, you’ll need to meet specific requirements and gather the right tools. Let’s break it down.
Mining Level
You must have a Mining level of 92 to mine amethyst crystals. This is a significant milestone, so if you’re not there yet, consider training at the Motherlode Mine or power-mining iron ore for faster XP. Note that invisible boosts, like the +7 from the Mining Guild or the Celestial Ring, won’t allow you to mine amethyst below level 92.
Location Access
Amethyst crystals are located exclusively in the Mining Guild in Falador. There are two mining areas:
- South-East Area: Accessible to all players with 92 Mining. No additional requirements needed.
- West Area (Larger Cave): Requires completion of the Elite Falador Achievement Diary and speaking to Belona in the Mining Guild for permission. This area has more crystals, reducing competition.
Completing the Elite Falador Diary is highly recommended for access to the less crowded west area, especially on busy worlds.
Quests and Diaries
While no quests are strictly required to mine amethyst, completing the Elite Falador Diary unlocks the larger mining area, as mentioned. The diary requires:
If you’re not ready for the diary, the south-east area is still viable, though it may be more crowded.
Best Gear and Inventory Setup
Having the right gear can significantly improve your amethyst mining efficiency. Here’s what you need to bring to the Mining Guild.
Pickaxe Choice
Your pickaxe is the most critical tool. The best options are:
- Crystal Pickaxe: Requires completion of Song of the Elves and 71 Smithing. It’s the fastest pickaxe, slightly outperforming the dragon pickaxe.
- Dragon Pickaxe: Available at 61 Mining (to wield) and widely used due to its accessibility. It’s slightly slower than the crystal pickaxe but still highly effective.
- Rune Pickaxe: A budget option if you can’t afford better, but it’s noticeably slower.
Pro Tip: Use the dragon pickaxe’s special attack (or crystal pickaxe if available) for a temporary +3 Mining boost if you’re boosting from level 90 or 91 with items like the Lightbearer ring and Preserve prayer.
Recommended Gear
Your gear should prioritize Mining efficiency and convenience. Here’s a suggested setup:
Slot | Item | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Head | Prospector Helmet | +0.4% Mining XP boost |
Body | Prospector Jacket | +0.8% Mining XP boost |
Legs | Prospector Legs | +0.6% Mining XP boost |
Boots | Prospector Boots | +0.2% Mining XP boost |
Gloves | Expert Mining Gloves | 25% chance to prevent crystal depletion, allowing one extra amethyst per rock |
Neck | Amulet of Glory | Increases gem drop rate; useful for teleports to Falador |
The full Prospector Outfit provides a 2.5% XP boost, obtainable from the Motherlode Mine for 180 golden nuggets. Expert Mining Gloves, purchased from Belona for unidentified minerals, are a game-changer, increasing your yield by allowing you to mine an additional amethyst before the crystal depletes.
Inventory Setup
Your inventory should be minimal to maximize mining time. Suggested items include:
- Gem Bag: Stores up to 60 uncut gems, reducing banking trips for gem drops.
- Chisel: Optional for crafting amethyst into dart tips or other ammunition while mining, especially for Ironmen.
- Teleportation Method: Amulet of Glory or Skills Necklace for quick access to Falador or the Mining Guild.
If you’re not crafting, you can leave most slots empty to collect amethyst and unidentified minerals.
How to Mine Amethyst Efficiently
Once you’re equipped, it’s time to head to the Mining Guild and start mining. Here’s a step-by-step guide to optimize your efficiency.
Getting to the Mining Guild
The Mining Guild is located beneath Falador. The fastest ways to get there are:
- Skills Necklace: Teleport directly to the Mining Guild entrance.
- Falador Teleport: Use a teleport tablet or spell, then walk south to the guild.
- Amulet of Glory: Teleport to Edgeville, bank, then use the Falador teleport.
Once inside, head to the south-east amethyst area or the west area if you’ve completed the Elite Falador Diary.
Mining Process
Amethyst crystals take about 75 seconds to respawn after depletion, and each crystal yields 2-3 amethysts (3-4 with Expert Mining Gloves). Here’s how to mine efficiently:
- Click on an amethyst crystal to start mining. Success rates range from 3.5% at level 92 to 4.3% at level 99.
- Wait for the crystal to yield an amethyst (240 Mining XP each).
- Move to another crystal once the current one depletes, or stay if using Expert Mining Gloves for the extra yield.
- Bank at the nearby chest in the Mining Guild when your inventory is full, or craft amethyst into items to extend mining sessions.
Tip: Mining is semi-AFK, so you can watch a show or do light tasks while waiting for crystals to respawn. Expect to mine 80-100 amethysts per hour with an optimal setup.
Crafting While Mining
For Ironmen or players looking to maximize profits, bring a chisel to craft amethyst into ranged ammunition like dart tips, arrowtips, or javelin heads. Each crafting action yields 5400 XP and can be done while waiting for crystals to respawn. Dart tips are often the most valuable per amethyst, especially for Ironmen using them with the Toxic Blowpipe.
Tips for Maximizing Profits and XP
To get the most out of amethyst mining, consider these strategies:
Monitor Grand Exchange Prices
Amethyst prices fluctuate, so check the Grand Exchange regularly. As of early 2025, you can expect profits of around 279,360 to 349,200 GP per hour, assuming 80-100 amethysts mined. Crafting into dart tips or bolts can sometimes yield higher returns, so compare prices before selling raw amethyst.
Use Expert Mining Gloves
These gloves are essential for increasing your yield per crystal, effectively boosting both XP and profit per hour. Trade unidentified minerals (gained while mining) to Belona for the gloves—it’s worth the investment.
Avoid Crowded Worlds
Choose a low-population world or mine in the Elite Falador Diary area to reduce competition. Fewer players mean more crystals available, improving your mining rate.
Combine with Other Skills
If you’re an Ironman or training multiple skills, craft amethyst into ammunition for Fletching XP or save it for ranged training. This multi-skill approach maximizes the value of your mining sessions.
Track Your Progress
Use a skill calculator like OldSchool.tools to estimate how many amethysts you’ll need for 99 Mining. At 240 XP per amethyst, it’s a slow but steady grind, so set realistic goals.
Amethyst mining in OSRS is a fantastic way to earn gold while enjoying a low-effort skilling experience. With the right gear, a level 92 Mining skill, and a bit of patience, you can rake in hundreds of thousands of GP per hour and work toward that coveted 99 Mining cape. Whether you’re banking raw amethyst or crafting it into valuable ammunition, this method offers flexibility for all playstyles. So grab your pickaxe, head to the Mining Guild, and start mining those shimmering purple crystals today!