fossil

Fossil Shark Tooth

Chondrichthyes dentition (Fossilized Tooth)

Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs scale, depending on mineral replacement); Color: off-white, cream, grey, or tan; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: microcrystalline apatite or quartz replacement

Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs scale, depending on mineral replacement)
Color: off-white, cream, grey, or tan
Luster: vitreous to dull

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-7 (Mohs scale, depending on mineral replacement); Color: off-white, cream, grey, or tan; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: microcrystalline apatite or quartz replacement

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization where shark teeth shed over millions of years are buried in sediment and minerals replace the original biological material, commonly dating from the Cretaceous to the Neogene periods.

Uses & applications

Used in educational collections, paleontology, jewelry, and as decorative display items.

Geological facts

Sharks can shed tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime, making teeth the most common part of the shark to be preserved in the fossil record.

Field identification & locations

Found worldwide in sedimentary marine deposits, riverbeds, and coastal cliffs. Easily identified by the distinct triangular or elongated blade shape and root structure.

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Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems

Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils

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