sedimentary
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Dermal Denticle or worn tooth fragment)
Elasmobranchii (fossil remains)
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white to light gray; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Structure: Phosphatic biomineralization; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0
- Hardness
- 5 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Creamy white to light gray
- Luster
- Dull to sub-vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white to light gray; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Structure: Phosphatic biomineralization; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization of cartilaginous fish remains in marine sedimentary environments. Likely from the Cenozoic or Mesozoic era (varies by location).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for geological education, personal fossil collections, and occasionally as a base for unique jewelry pieces.
Geological facts
Sharks have skin covered in tiny tooth-like structures called dermal denticles. This specimen appears to be a small, highly weathered fossil tooth or scale that has been tumbled by ocean waves.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for concentric growth patterns or a central pulp cavity. Commonly found in coastal areas with eroding limestone or phosphate-rich sediments. Collectors can look for them along shorelines after high tides.
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