fossil
Fossil Shark Tooth
Odontaspididae (likely Carcharias sp.)
Hardness: 5 (Enamelized); Color: Cream to tan; Luster: Vitreous/shiny on blade, earthy on root; Structure: Triangular blade with a distinct bifurcated root.
- Hardness
- 5 (Enamelized)
- Color
- Cream to tan
- Luster
- Vitreous/shiny on blade, earthy on root
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Enamelized); Color: Cream to tan; Luster: Vitreous/shiny on blade, earthy on root; Structure: Triangular blade with a distinct bifurcated root.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the process of permineralization where organic tooth material is replaced by minerals in marine sediments. Likely Eocene to Miocene epoch (5 to 50 million years old).
Uses & applications
Primarily used for educational purposes, scientific study, and as collector specimens or in jewelry such as wire-wrapped pendants.
Geological facts
Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. Because their skeletons are cartilage and don't fossilize well, teeth are the most common shark remain found in the fossil record.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for a hard, glossy enamel blade and a distinct, porous root structure. Commonly found in coastal sedimentary deposits or riverbeds in regions like Florida, Morocco, or the US East Coast.
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