fossil

Fossil shark tooth, likely sand tiger shark

Fossilized selachian tooth; possibly *Carcharias* or *Striatolamia*

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

A small, triangular, brown-to-tan tooth with a darker enamel crown and lighter mineralized root. Shark enamel is Mohs ~5–6, with glossy luster and no cleavage; the apparent color banding reflects mineral replacement and preservation.

Identified August 20, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

A biological fossil formed when a shark tooth was buried in marine sediment and mineralized, commonly during the Cenozoic (about 66 million years ago to present), though exact age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible, educational specimen, or jewelry component; it has no practical construction or industrial use. Value depends strongly on species, completeness, size, and provenance.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are continuously shed throughout life, making them among the most common vertebrate fossils. The pointed crown and relatively broad root are consistent with a predatory shark tooth, but the image is insufficient for confident species identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in marine fossil deposits and coastal exposures worldwide, including Florida, the Carolinas, Morocco, and Australia. Check for enamel gloss, a distinct root, serrations or smooth cutting edges, and natural mineralized texture; avoid confusing replicas with uniformly glossy, lightweight pieces.