Does Varrock Armour Work on Gem Rocks? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, Varrock armour does work on gem rocks, but with some nuances. While the armour doesn’t provide a direct “double gem” effect, it leverages its core benefit of doubling the ore yield that can sometimes result in increased gem acquisition. This happens indirectly as it’s the ore that gets doubled, and in turn, this can provide more uncut gems as a result. In essence, wearing Varrock armour, specifically tiers 2, 3, or 4, can indeed increase your gem haul from gem rocks, but it’s not a guaranteed double gem each time. This makes it an efficient choice for those looking to maximize their gem mining potential. Let’s dive deeper into how this works and answer some frequently asked questions about Varrock armour and gem rocks.
Understanding Varrock Armour and Gem Rocks
The Mechanics of Gem Rock Mining
Gem rocks in RuneScape are unique mining locations that offer a chance to acquire various uncut gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. When mining a gem rock, you receive ore with a chance to yield an uncut gem. This system isn’t as straightforward as normal ore mining. You aren’t just mining raw gem material directly. The chance of receiving a gem is dependent on the amount of ore you mine.
How Varrock Armour Impacts Gem Mining
Varrock armour’s primary function in mining is to provide a chance to double the ore you mine. When you’re mining gem rocks, this doubling effect still applies to the ore. So if the armour’s perk activates, you will receive two lots of ore in place of the one, and thus two chances to get an uncut gem. It doesn’t mean you are going to receive two gems. It’s essentially a chance to get more ore, which in turn, gives you more chances at gems.
Tier Matters
While Varrock armour 1 offers a 4% chance to double ore, Varrock armour 2 and above increase this to a 10% chance. The higher tiers of Varrock armour, specifically Varrock armour 3 and 4, offer additional benefits in other areas, such as smithing and mining XP, but their ore-doubling effect remains at a consistent 10%. This means using Varrock armour 2, 3, or 4 will all give you the same chances of doubling ore at gem rocks. It’s best to use the one you have available that provides the greatest benefit to your current skill focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Varrock Armour guarantee double gems at gem rocks?
No. Varrock armour does not guarantee double gems. It doubles the amount of ore you mine. Increased ore can result in additional gems as it means you have two attempts to find a gem each time the effect activates.
2. What tier of Varrock Armour is best for gem rock mining?
Varrock armour 2 is the most effective minimum tier of Varrock armour for gem mining, since it has the highest ore-doubling effect. While the higher tiers have additional benefits for smithing, they do not further increase this doubling chance.
3. Does the Mining Cape have any effect on gem rocks?
Yes, the Mining Cape’s perk (invisible +1 mining level) does work at gem rocks and does increase your chances of success while mining gem rocks. Note that it does not increase the odds of receiving double ore or double gems, only the chance of mining the gem rock.
4. Does the Varrock Armour work at all mining locations?
No, the Varrock armour does not work at all mining locations. For example it doesn’t work at Motherlode Mine and it also doesn’t work on dense runestone, star dust, or ash piles. However, it has been updated to work with tin, limestone, sandstone, runite golem corpses, and gem rocks. It also works at the Guardians of the Rift when mining for guardian fragments and essence.
5. How do I obtain Varrock Armour?
Varrock Armour is a reward for completing Varrock achievement diaries. Varrock armour 1 is obtained from Reldo, after the easy and medium diaries are completed. Varrock Armour 2 is a reward for completing easy and medium Varrock achievements, while Varrock armour 3 requires the completion of the hard tasks. Varrock armour 4 requires the completion of all Varrock diaries, including the elite ones, and is awarded by Vannaka.
6. Can I lose my Varrock Armour?
Yes, the armour is lost if you die in a non-safe area, though it can be reclaimed for free. Speak to the relevant Varrock achievement diary NPC again, Reldo or Vannaka depending on the tier you wish to reclaim.
7. Does Varrock Armour work with the Mining gloves?
Yes, Varrock armour works in conjunction with mining gloves. They both provide different perks, and their effects stack together. The mining gloves increase mining speed while Varrock armour provides a chance to double ores, allowing you to mine ore faster whilst getting ore more often.
8. Are there better items for mining gems?
The Celestial ring or charged celestial ring is a good alternative, as their effect stacks with the armour doubling perk. But for most players the Varrock Armour is a top pick, especially for its synergy with other mining benefits. As the ring is often very expensive, the Varrock Armour is a more suitable choice for most players.
9. Does Varrock Armour work with a charged Celestial Ring?
Yes, the doubling effects from the Celestial Ring and Varrock Armour do stack. This combination provides a higher chance of doubling ore at the gem rock.
10. What level is recommended for gem rocks?
You can mine at the gem rocks at any level of mining, but the success rates improve with higher mining levels. The higher your mining level, the faster you can mine the ore and acquire the gems.
11. Are gem rocks a good way to make money?
Gem rocks can be a good way to make money, depending on the price of uncut gems at the Grand Exchange. The price of gems can fluctuate, so it’s always good to check before heading out to mine. You can also increase the value by cutting them.
12. Can I get multiple of the same gem from one ore?
It is possible, but it is rare. Usually, one ore will give you a single type of gem. However, with Varrock armour, you will have two ore rolls, giving you two separate chances at gems.
13. Does the ‘Invisible +1 mining level’ affect the gem rocks?
Yes. This perk, often provided by certain items such as the Mining Cape, does increase your chance of success at mining gem rocks.
14. Do boosted mining levels affect gem rocks?
Yes, boosts from potions, pies or other items that increase your mining level do affect the gem rocks. A higher mining level means you have a higher success rate when mining the rocks.
15. What other mining-related bonuses should I consider when mining gem rocks?
Apart from the Varrock Armour, you can boost your mining experience with:
- Mining Cape: An invisible +1 level to your mining.
- Mining Gloves: Increases mining speed.
- Pickaxe: Upgrading your pickaxe can improve mining speed.
- Mining potions, pies or other boosts: To enhance your mining level.
Conclusion
While Varrock armour doesn’t guarantee double gems, its ore-doubling effect significantly boosts your chances of acquiring more uncut gems. Its 10% chance to double ore, especially combined with other bonuses, makes it an invaluable asset for gem rock mining. By understanding how these mechanics work and by using the correct tools you can maximize your mining experience. So, get out there, equip your Varrock armour, and start mining for those precious gems!