fossil
Fossil Shark Tooth (Sand Tiger Shark type)
Carcharias sp. (likely Odontaspis)
Hardness: 5 (enameloid), Color: Cream, tan, and light brown, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Elongated crown with small lateral cusplets, Composition: Fluorapatite
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (enameloid), Color: Cream, tan, and light brown, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Elongated crown with small lateral cusplets, Composition: Fluorapatite
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization where organic tooth material is replaced by minerals. These specimens typically range from the Eocene to Miocene epochs (approx. 5 to 50 million years old).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for educational collections, jewelry (pendants), and as a popular entry-level item for fossil hobbyists.
Geological facts
Shark teeth are the most common shark fossils because sharks lose thousands of teeth over their lifetime and their cartilaginous skeletons rarely fossilize. The Sand Tiger shark has long, needle-like teeth specifically adapted for grasping slippery fish.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for triangular or needle-like shapes with a glossy finish that differs from surrounding rocks. Commonly found in phosphate mines, riverbeds, and Atlantic coastal beaches like those in Florida or Morocco.
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