How to Get an Onyx as an Ironman in OSRS: A Comprehensive Guide

For Ironman players in Old School RuneScape (OSRS), obtaining an onyx is a significant milestone. This rare gem is essential for crafting powerful jewelry like the Amulet of Fury, Ring of Stone, and even Zenyte items when combined with a Zenyte shard. However, as an Ironman, you can’t rely on trading or the Grand Exchange, making the process a unique challenge. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods to secure an uncut onyx, optimize your efforts, and provide tips to make the grind worthwhile. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman or just starting out, this blog post will help you achieve your goal efficiently.

What Is an Onyx and Why It Matters

An uncut onyx is the second-rarest gem in OSRS, surpassed only by the Zenyte. Once cut with 67 Crafting (yielding 167.5 experience), it becomes a versatile resource for high-level jewelry. For Ironmen, the onyx is a gateway to best-in-slot gear, such as the Amulet of Fury, which offers a balanced +10 boost to all attack stats and +8 to defense. This makes it a must-have for mid-to-late-game progression.

Why Ironmen Need a Strategic Approach

Unlike regular accounts, Ironmen must be self-sufficient. You can’t buy an onyx from other players or the Grand Exchange (except for bonds), so you’ll need to rely on specific methods like purchasing it with Tokkul, rare boss drops, or extreme luck from other sources. Each method has its pros and cons, which we’ll break down below.

Method 1: Buying an Onyx with Tokkul

The TzHaar City Shop Option

The most reliable way to get an uncut onyx as an Ironman is by purchasing it from TzHaar-Hur-Lek’s Ore and Gem Store in Mor Ul Rek (TzHaar City). It costs 300,000 Tokkul normally, but this drops to 260,000 Tokkul if you’ve unlocked any tier of Karamja Gloves (achieved via the Karamja Diary).

How to Farm Tokkul Efficiently

Tokkul is the currency of the TzHaar, earned primarily by selling items to their shops or completing the Fight Caves. Here’s how to maximize your Tokkul gains:

• Sell Chaos Runes: The TzHaar-Mej-Roh’s Rune Store buys chaos runes for 90 Tokkul each (or higher with Karamja Gloves). You’ll need approximately 28,889 chaos runes without gloves or 14,445 death runes with gloves to hit 260,000 Tokkul.
• Fight Caves Runs: Completing the Fight Caves nets you 8,000 Tokkul per run (doubled to 16,000 with Karamja Elite Diary). Selling extra Fire Capes yields 8,000 Tokkul each, making this a viable long-term strategy.
• Obsidian Gear: Drops like obsidian capes or weapons from TzHaar creatures can be sold for significant Tokkul, though this is slower and less consistent.

Optimizing Chaos Rune Collection

Chaos runes can be farmed via Barrows runs, Slayer tasks, or even early-game methods like the Chaos Altar in the Wilderness. With Karamja Gloves, this method becomes faster, requiring fewer runes and less time overall.

Method 2: Boss Drops for an Onyx

Zulrah: The RNG Route

Zulrah, a solo snake boss, offers a 1/512 chance per drop roll (with two rolls per kill) to drop an uncut onyx. On average, you’ll see one every 256 kills, though RNG can stretch this out. Zulrah also drops valuable resources like herbs and scales, making it a worthwhile grind for Ironmen.

Skotizo and Tekton: Rare Alternatives

Skotizo, the demonic boss beneath the Catacombs of Kourend, has a 1/1,000 chance to drop an uncut onyx. You’ll need Totems (assembled from Slayer drops) to fight it, averaging one kill every few hours of Slayer. Tekton, encountered in the Chambers of Xeric, has an even slimmer chance, making it less practical but still possible.

Preparing for Bossing

To tackle these bosses, you’ll need decent combat stats (70+ in Attack, Strength, Defence, and Magic/Ranged) and gear like a Trident of the Seas or Toxic Blowpipe. Stock up on food and potions from Slayer or skilling to stay self-sufficient.

Method 3: The Luck-Based Options

Bag Full of Gems

A bag full of gems, obtainable from clue scrolls or skilling activities like Mining, has a 1/2,500,000 chance to yield an uncut onyx (each of its 40 gems has a 1/100,000,000 chance). This is astronomically unlikely but worth mentioning for completionists chasing every possible avenue.

Mor Ul Rek Gem Stall

Thieving from the gem stall in Mor Ul Rek offers a 1/20,000 chance at an uncut onyx. At 82 Thieving (boostable), this method doubles as a way to train the skill, though it’s far too rare to rely on solely.

Comparing Methods: Which Is Best for You?

Efficiency Breakdown

Here’s a quick comparison of the main methods to help you decide:

Method	Time Estimate	Reliability	Additional Benefits
TzHaar Shop (Tokkul)	10-20 hours (chaos runes/Fight Caves)	100% (guaranteed purchase)	Fire Cape, skilling resources
Zulrah	20-50 hours (256 kills avg.)	RNG (1/512 per roll)	Scales, uniques, herbs
Skotizo	50+ hours (1,000 kills avg.)	RNG (1/1,000)	Clue scrolls, Slayer XP
Bag Full of Gems	Unpredictable	Extremely low (1/2.5M)	Gems, clues

Factors to Consider

If you want a guaranteed onyx and have the patience to farm Tokkul, the TzHaar shop is your best bet. For those already grinding Zulrah for uniques like the Toxic Blowpipe, it’s a solid secondary goal. Skotizo and other methods are better as passive chances while focusing on other tasks.

Tips to Maximize Your Onyx Grind

Boost Your Efficiency

Here are some pro tips to streamline your journey:

• Complete Karamja Diaries: Even the easy tier reduces the Tokkul cost by 40,000, saving hours of grinding.
• Use Mobile for Trading: Selling chaos runes to TzHaar shops is faster on mobile due to tap-to-sell mechanics versus right-clicking on PC.
• Combine Goals: Farm Tokkul while training Slayer in TzHaar City, or hunt Zulrah for both onyx and other uniques.
• Stockpile Resources: Gather chaos runes early from Barrows or Slayer to avoid last-minute scrambling.

What to Do with Your Onyx

Once you’ve got your uncut onyx, cut it at 67 Crafting and decide its fate:

• Amulet of Fury: Craft at 90 Crafting, enchant at 87 Magic with Lvl-6 Enchant (1 cosmic, 20 fire, 20 earth runes). Ideal for all-around combat.
• Ring of Stone: A niche teleport item for specific PvM scenarios.
• Zenyte Jewelry: Combine with a Zenyte shard (from Zulrah or Cerberus) for top-tier gear like the Tormented Bracelet.

Most Ironmen prioritize the Amulet of Fury for its versatility, but your choice depends on your current gear and goals.

Getting an onyx as an Ironman in OSRS is no small feat, but with the right strategy, it’s entirely achievable. Whether you opt for the steady Tokkul grind, the RNG thrill of Zulrah, or a mix of methods, this guide has you covered. Start planning your approach today, and soon you’ll be sporting that shiny Amulet of Fury—or whatever onyx-crafted item suits your Ironman journey. Happy grinding!