sedimentary

Fossilized Shark Tooth (Dermal Denticle or worn tooth fragment)

Elasmobranchii (fossil remains)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white to light gray; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Structure: Phosphatic biomineralization; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale)
Color: Creamy white to light gray
Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous

Identified March 23, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale); Color: Creamy white to light gray; Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous; Structure: Phosphatic biomineralization; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization of cartilaginous fish remains in marine sedimentary environments. Likely from the Cenozoic or Mesozoic era (varies by location).

Uses & applications

Primarily used for geological education, personal fossil collections, and occasionally as a base for unique jewelry pieces.

Geological facts

Sharks have skin covered in tiny tooth-like structures called dermal denticles. This specimen appears to be a small, highly weathered fossil tooth or scale that has been tumbled by ocean waves.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for concentric growth patterns or a central pulp cavity. Commonly found in coastal areas with eroding limestone or phosphate-rich sediments. Collectors can look for them along shorelines after high tides.