fossil

Fossil Shark Teeth (likely Sand Tiger Shark)

Carcharias taurus (fossilized dentition)

Hardness: 5 (mineralized enamel); Color: Tan, beige, or brown depending on sediment; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Shape: Narrow, pointed, tapering daggarlike crown with distinct root lobes.

Hardness: 5 (mineralized enamel)
Color: Tan, beige, or brown depending on sediment
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (mineralized enamel); Color: Tan, beige, or brown depending on sediment; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Shape: Narrow, pointed, tapering daggarlike crown with distinct root lobes.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization, where minerals like apatite or silica replace original bone material. These specimens likely date from the Eocene to Miocene epochs (approx. 5-50 million years old).

Uses & applications

Primarily used for educational collections, jewelry (pendants), and hobbyist fossil collecting.

Geological facts

Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. These fossilized versions are often found in marine sedimentary deposits because the teeth are the only hard parts of a shark's cartilaginous skeleton that readily fossilize.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by searching coastal areas or creek beds with known sedimentary exposures; look for the triangular sharp shape and glossy enamel texture which stands out against surrounding gravel.

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