fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth (Fragment)

Elasmobranchii (fossilized tooth)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Color: tan, yellowish-brown; Texture: smooth enamel-like surface on the blade; Hardness: varies based on permineralization (approx 5 on Mohs); Shape: conical or blade-like fragment.

Hardness: varies based on permineralization (approx 5 on Mohs)
Color: tan, yellowish-brown

Identified July 9, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Color: tan, yellowish-brown; Texture: smooth enamel-like surface on the blade; Hardness: varies based on permineralization (approx 5 on Mohs); Shape: conical or blade-like fragment.

Formation & geological history

Formed when a shark's calcium-phosphate tooth dropped into sediment and underwent permineralization, typically during the Cenozoic or Mesozoic eras. Over millions of years, minerals from the surrounding water or soil replaced the organic structure.

Uses & applications

Scientific study, educational tools, and hobbyist collecting. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry.

Geological facts

Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. Identifying the exact species from a small fragment can be difficult without the root structure.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found on coastal beaches or in riverbeds where ancient sea levels once reached. To identify, look for a glassy luster and a sharp or serrated edge distinct from common pebbles.