|-
|+ Optimal Skill Gain
|}
'''Optimal Pickaxe Selection for Skill Gain'''
If you want to optimize mining skill gain, you need to pick the correct QL pickaxe for your skill and for the vein you are mining. You can use the formula:
''(Skill + Tool QL) divided by 2, then subtract 20 = <optimal difficulty>
''
Plug in the variables you know, and solve for the remaining variable.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Ore type !! Difficulty Rating
|-
| Stone || 2
|-
| Zinc || 2
|-
| Iron || 3
|-
| Tin || 10
|-
| Copper || 20
|-
| Slate || 20
|-
| Lead || 20
|-
| Silver || 35
|-
| Gold || 40
|-
| Reinforced || 40
|-
| Marble || 40
|-
| Glimmersteel || 45
|-
| Adamantine || 60
|-
|}