fossil

Fossilized Shark Teeth

Otodus sp. (Eocene Sand Tiger/Mackerel Shark)

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy orange (due to phosphate and silica replacement), Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Elongated triangular crown with visible root bases.

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossilized Shark Teeth in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy orange (due to phosphate and silica replacement), Luster: Vitreous to dull, Structure: Elongated triangular crown with visible root bases.

Formation & geological history

Formed during the Eocene epoch (approx. 50 million years ago) through permineralization, where minerals replaced the organic structure of the teeth in shallow marine sediments.

Uses & applications

Collecting, jewelry making (pendants), and educational displays.

Geological facts

Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in their lifetime, which is why their fossilized teeth are one of the most common vertebrate fossils found worldwide.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the sharp triangular blade and the distinct, often darker, textured root area. Commonly found in phosphate mines or riverbeds in Morocco and the US East Coast.

Other fossil specimens

See all

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Limestone

Fossiliferous Calcilutite / Biomicrite

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Limestone

Biogenic Limestone with Brachiopod/Crinoid fragments

sedimentary

Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

fossil

Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems

Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils

sedimentary