fossil

Fossil shark tooth, likely megalodon

Fossilized shark tooth; possibly Otodus megalodon (formerly Carcharocles megalodon)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark, glossy mineralized enamel with a broad triangular crown and apparent root; shark teeth are mainly calcium-phosphate apatite. Hardness is roughly 5–6 Mohs, with no cleavage and variable gray, black, tan, or brown coloration.

Identified August 26, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

A fossil formed when a shed tooth was buried in marine sediment and mineralized during diagenesis, commonly during the Miocene–Pliocene (about 23–2.6 million years ago) for megalodon. The circular holder appears human-made and is not part of the specimen.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible, educational specimen, or display piece; occasionally used in jewelry and replicas. Value depends strongly on species, size, completeness, serrations, condition, and provenance.

Geological facts

Megalodon teeth are distinguished by their massive triangular crowns and robust roots; smaller fossil shark teeth may look similar. The dark color generally reflects mineral replacement and burial chemistry, not original enamel color.

Field identification & locations

Identify by a triangular enamel crown, central root, and—on megalodon—fine serrations and large size; common sources include Florida, North Carolina, Morocco, Peru, and Indonesia. Estimated value: about $20–$150 for common examples, $200–$2,000+ for large, complete, high-quality megalodon teeth.