fossil

Fossil shark tooth

Likely fossilized shark tooth, possibly Otodus megalodon

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Triangular, dark gray-brown crown with a lighter mineralized root; enamel is typically Mohs ~5–6, with a glossy luster and dense, hard texture. The broad crown and apparent worn edges are consistent with a fossil tooth, though lighting limits confident species identification.

Identified August 26, 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

Formation & geological history

Shark teeth fossilize when buried rapidly in marine sediments, with original tissues replaced or impregnated by minerals over millions of years. The large size suggests a prehistoric megatooth shark, commonly Miocene–Pliocene in age (about 23–2.6 million years old).

Uses & applications

Primarily a display and collecting specimen; high-quality examples are used in education and jewelry. It has no practical industrial or construction use.

Geological facts

Megalodon teeth can exceed 7 inches (18 cm), while many other fossil sharks have similar triangular forms. Dark coloration commonly results from mineral replacement during fossilization.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the enamel-like glossy crown, distinct root, triangular profile, and possible serrations; compare scale and serration pattern before assigning species. Common sources include marine sedimentary deposits in Florida, North Carolina, Morocco, Indonesia, and Australia.