sedimentary
Fossil Shark Tooth
Carcharodon sp. (likely Otodus or similar Lamniformes order)
Hardness: Approx 5 (apatite); Color: Tan to dark brown; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Organic hydroxyapatite mineralization; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- Approx 5 (apatite)
- Color
- Tan to dark brown
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: Approx 5 (apatite); Color: Tan to dark brown; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Organic hydroxyapatite mineralization; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization where organic tooth material is replaced by minerals in marine sediments. Likely Neogene to Paleogene periods (2-60 million years ago).
Uses & applications
Used primarily for fossil collecting, educational purposes, and small-scale jewelry such as pendants.
Geological facts
Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. Because their skeletons are cartilage, teeth are often the only parts that fossilize.
Field identification & locations
Identify by a triangular crown and a distinct root base. Often found on beaches, in creek beds with exposed limestone or phosphate deposits, or in coastal quarries.
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