fossil

Fossil shark tooth

Fossilized shark tooth, composed mainly of apatite (carbonate fluorapatite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 5 on Mohs scale; ochre-brown, matte to slightly glossy, with a pointed crown and broad root. Fossil teeth retain their original mineral structure, commonly replaced or infilled during fossilization.

Identified October 6, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a shark tooth buried in marine sediment and mineralized over thousands to millions of years; the image alone does not establish its age or species.

Uses & applications

Collected as a fossil and used in jewelry or educational displays; exceptionally, fossil shark teeth are used in research and museum exhibits.

Geological facts

Sharks continuously replace their teeth, so fossil teeth are common in many ancient marine deposits. Color often reflects minerals in the surrounding sediment rather than the original tooth.

Field identification & locations

The serration pattern, crown shape, and root help identify species; this small, apparently worn specimen is difficult to identify more precisely from the image. Fossil shark teeth occur worldwide in marine sedimentary deposits.