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Paden: Amber Rockhounding in Tishomingo County, Mississippi

Updated July 2026

The clay and lignite beds around Paden in Tishomingo County are one of the few documented sources of Upper Cretaceous amber in Mississippi, tied to the Coffee Sand and Tuscaloosa Group. The amber is scientifically notable: researchers recovered the first fossil microorganisms preserved in it from this material. Pieces turn up as small resin nodules weathering from the dark lignitic clays. Reported finds include amber. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Paden photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Map showing Paden in Tishomingo County, Mississippi

Quick details

Access
Public area

Geology at Paden

This spot sits on Eutaw formation, mapped as sand and clay that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Loose deposits like these are float-collecting ground: erosion keeps moving durable rocks and minerals into gravel bars, cutbanks, and washes.

Mapped unit
Eutaw formation
Age
100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types
sand and clay
Elevation
410 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Paden

Conditions here are workable year-round, with typical highs from 50°F in winter to 89°F in summer.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, IUKA station (13 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Paden

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Paden.

Across the state line from Paden

Paden is close enough to the Mississippi border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Paden FAQ

Where is Paden?+
Paden is in Tishomingo County, Mississippi, at 34.59801, -88.30398.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Paden?+
Paden is reported to produce Amber.
Is collecting allowed at Paden?+
Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
What tools should I bring to Paden?+
A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.
When is the best time to visit Paden?+
Paden is workable year-round.
How do I get to Paden?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 34.59801, -88.30398 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

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