This effect supplies experience that is OSRS gold dual, and works on substance caches. Moreover, the mattock rarely completes the improvement to a next artefact, allowing you to"discover it instantly" (this result is significantly less common and occurs once every dozen artefacts or so).
The mattock is there for one to grab it from the display case in the Archaeology guild... however, the only way to open it is to find a Shadowy secret from a tetracompass. You might also receive a twisted key that will get your hopes up but will likely break in the lock also.
I purchased the 34th Tony's mattock in RuneScape (according to the number of broadcasts) for 5b gp from the person who got it with a dim secret, and I have been using it daily for training. Archaeology remains a very new ability along with the mattock is in large demand, appreciated between gp and 4. The first one in RuneScape was sold for a record 29b gp, which will be greater these days than you'd pay for a blue party hat.
Make no mistake - all hero things are toys for those with more money than brains. The update you get is small and everything you purchase is more of a status symbol than the usual gameplay aid. Are they worth the buck for a wealthy player, though?
Things will certainly do more for you particularly in the Cheap Rs gold event that you give them a chance to execute the tasks they have been 35, In case you've got the cash laying around the enthusiast for. The signet ring of hazelmere is the hero item - a worldwide luck enhancer with an exciting spin, but don't ever rely on a yield from the drops.