sedimentary
Fossil Shark Tooth
Carcharocles (Otodus) sp. or similar fossilized Chondrichthyes tooth
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Gray/Black blade with tan/white root, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Bio-mineralized hydroxyapatite replaced by minerals, Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.1
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Gray/Black blade with tan/white root, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Bio-mineralized hydroxyapatite replaced by minerals, Specific Gravity: 3.0-3.1
Formation & geological history
Formed via permineralization where organic tooth material is replaced by minerals in marine sediments. Likely Eocene to Miocene in age (approx. 5 to 50 million years old).
Uses & applications
Predominantly for biological education, scientific research, hobbyist collecting, and decorative jewelry.
Geological facts
Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. These fossils are often found far inland in places that were once ancient seabed environments.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by searching for triangular shapes with serrated or smooth edges in riverbeds or beaches; look for dark, glassy lusters distinct from surrounding gravel.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary