Rock Identifier
Fossil Shark Tooth (Elasmobranchii tooth fossil (e.g., Otodus / Carcharocles)) — fossil
fossil

Fossil Shark Tooth

Elasmobranchii tooth fossil (e.g., Otodus / Carcharocles)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale (apatite composition). Color: Dark brown to black due to permineralization. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished or wet. Structure: Characteristic flattened, triangular crown shape with a thick root.

Hardness
5 on Mohs scale (apatite composition)
Color
Dark brown to black due to permineralization
Luster
Vitreous to waxy when polished or wet
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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale (apatite composition). Color: Dark brown to black due to permineralization. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished or wet. Structure: Characteristic flattened, triangular crown shape with a thick root.

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization when shark teeth sank into marine sediments millions of years ago (typically Eocene to Miocene epochs). Minerals like iron and phosphate replaced the original organic structure.

Uses & applications

Popular among fossil collectors, used in jewelry (wire-wrapped pendants, rings), and educational display specimens.

Geological facts

Sharks lose thousands of teeth in their lifetimes. The dark color is caused by absorbing minerals from the surrounding sediment over millions of years.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct triangular blade, defined root margin, and heavy fossilized feel. Commonly found along coastal beaches and riverbeds in Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland.

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