fossil

Fossil shark tooth

Likely a fossilized shark tooth, possibly *Carcharodon* or *Carcharhinus*; exact species requires provenance and close examination

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The glossy blue-gray enamel crown contrasts with a darker, mineralized root. Shark-tooth enamel is about Mohs 5, with a sharp triangular crown, fine surface striations, and bilateral symmetry; the apparent hole may be wear or damage.

Identified August 15, 2026More fossil →

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At a glance

Common name: Fossil shark tooth
Scientific name: Likely a fossilized shark tooth, possibly *Carcharodon* or *Carcharhinus*; exact species requires provenance and close examination
Category: fossil
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$75 for a common polished or treated tooth; $100–$1,000+ for large, rare, sharply preserved, authenticated specimens.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Originally formed as biological tooth tissue, then buried in marine sediment and mineralized during diagenesis, commonly during the Miocene–Pliocene (about 23–2.6 million years ago).

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible and educational fossil; polished or mounted teeth are also used in jewelry and decorative items.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are frequently preserved because enamel and dentine resist decay, while the rest of the shark’s cartilage skeleton usually disappears. Blue coloration can result from mineral staining during fossilization or later treatment.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by enamel sheen, a distinct root, tooth-shaped symmetry, and absence of crystalline rock texture; common sources include Florida, North Carolina, Morocco, Indonesia, and South Carolina. The image alone cannot securely determine species or authenticity.