sedimentary (fossil)

Fossilized Sand Tiger Shark Tooth

Carcharias taurus / Striatolamia macrota (mineralized as Hydroxylapatite/Francolite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 (Mohs); Color: Tan, yellow-cream, or brown depending on mineral replacement; Luster: Vitreous to satiny; Structure: Elongate, curved crown with a distinct bifurcated (two-pronged) root; Specific Gravity: ~3.0

Hardness: 5 (Mohs)
Color: Tan, yellow-cream, or brown depending on mineral replacement
Luster: Vitreous to satiny

Identified March 9, 2026More sedimentary (fossil) →

Explore Fossilized Sand Tiger 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

Formed through permineralization within marine sedimentary layers. These specimens typically range from the Eocene epoch (approx. 50 million years ago) to more recent periods, found in phosphate rich deposits or old sea beds.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for educational scientific collection, jewelry (pendants), and as hobbyist display pieces. Significant in paleoecological studies to track ancient shark migrations.

Geological facts

Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. Unlike modern white teeth, these fossilized versions have had their porous organic matter replaced by minerals from the surrounding sediment over millions of years.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for the sharp, tapering central blade and the V-shaped root. Commonly found in coastal areas of Morocco, Florida, and the Carolinas. Collectors should check the 'burlette' area and the root for integrity.

Other sedimentary (fossil) specimens

See all

Ammonite fossil

Fossilized ammonoid cephalopod; likely an involute ammonite, exact genus/species indeterminate

fossil

Likely polished/tumbled fossil shell or concretion

Indeterminate; possibly a fossil bivalve or gastropod in mineralized matrix

fossil

Chalcedony (Tumbled)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

mineral

Vesicular basalt (possibly amygdaloidal basalt)

Basalt, a mafic volcanic rock composed mainly of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and commonly olivine; cavities may contain secondary zeolites, calcite, or quartz.

igneous

Dinosaur Claw Fossil

Fossilized Theropod Claw (Vertebrate Palaeontological Specimen)

fossil

Polished fossil shell or bone fragment (tentative)

Indeterminate biogenic carbonate or fossilized bone; possibly a small gastropod/bivalve fragment

fossil