fossil

Fossil tooth, likely shark tooth

Fossilized selachian tooth; exact species cannot be determined from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-black, tapered and strongly curved with a pointed crown; likely phosphatic mineral replacement, hardness about 5–6 Mohs, dull to slightly glossy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The apparent serrations and shape are consistent with a fossil shark tooth, though image resolution limits confirmation.

Identified September 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from an originally mineralized tooth buried in marine sediment, later altered by phosphate and iron-rich groundwater during diagenesis. Shark teeth commonly range from Miocene to Cretaceous age, roughly 2.6–145 million years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible, educational specimen, or jewelry component; it has no significant industrial or construction use.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are abundant fossils because their enamel resists decay and sharks continually replace teeth. Black coloration commonly results from mineral replacement during fossilization.

Field identification & locations

Look for enamel-like gloss, a distinct root, bilateral symmetry, and fine serrations; compare with known regional shark-tooth forms. Common sources include Florida, North Carolina, Morocco, and coastal marine deposits worldwide.