fossil

Fossil Shark Tooth

Chondrichthyes (class)

Hardness: Varies (often replaced by minerals like apatite or silica, Mohs ~5), Color: Dark brown, black, grey, or tan, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Enameloid crown with root

Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Enameloid crown with root

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossil Shark Tooth in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: Varies (often replaced by minerals like apatite or silica, Mohs ~5), Color: Dark brown, black, grey, or tan, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Enameloid crown with root

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization where skeletal remains are buried in sediment and minerals slowly replace the original organic material over millions of years (Cenozoic to Paleozoic eras).

Uses & applications

Used primarily in fossil collecting, educational displays, and jewelry making.

Geological facts

Sharks lose thousands of teeth in a lifetime, making shark teeth one of the most common types of vertebrate fossils found globally.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by their distinct triangular shape, smooth or serrated edges, and a two-pronged root. Commonly found in riverbeds, coastal areas, and ancient marine deposits.