fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth (likely Sand Tiger Shark)

Carcharias taurus (fossilized hydroxyapatite/calcium phosphate)

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, beige, or white with reddish-tan root; Luster: Vitreous/shiny enamel; Shape: Slender, pointed crown with distinct root lobes. Cleavage: None.

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Color: Cream, beige, or white with reddish-tan root
Luster: Vitreous/shiny enamel

Identified July 18, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, beige, or white with reddish-tan root; Luster: Vitreous/shiny enamel; Shape: Slender, pointed crown with distinct root lobes. Cleavage: None.

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization where minerals like calcium phosphate or silica replace organic dental tissues in marine sediment. Likely from the Eocene to Miocene epochs (approx. 5-50 million years ago).

Uses & applications

Primarily used for jewelry making (pendants), education, and fossil collecting. Fossil teeth have been used historically as charms or amulets.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are the most common shark fossils because sharks lose thousands of teeth throughout their lives. This specific slender shape was designed for grasping slippery prey like small fish.

Field identification & locations

Identified by the triangular crown and large, distinct root. Commonly found in coastal sedimentary deposits, riverbeds, or beaches in regions like Florida, North Carolina, or Morocco.

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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