fossil
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Root Portion)
Selachimorpha (partial specimen)
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to brown waxy exterior with a gray-beige interior, Luster: dull to waxy, Structure: mineralized dentin and enameloid, Shape: conical/triangular with a flat base.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to brown waxy exterior with a gray-beige interior, Luster: dull to waxy, Structure: mineralized dentin and enameloid, Shape: conical/triangular with a flat base.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the process of permineralization, where minerals like apatite or phosphate replace the organic tooth structure over millions of years (typically Cretaceous to Neogene periods).
Uses & applications
Educational specimens, collecting, and sometimes used in wire-wrapped jewelry or curiosities.
Geological facts
Sharks can lose thousands of teeth in their lifetime, which is why their fossilized teeth are among the most common fossils found worldwide. This specific piece looks like a worn or broken root section or a partial cusplet.
Field identification & locations
Commonly found in coastal areas, riverbeds (like the Peace River in Florida), or phosphate mines. Collectors identify them by their distinct triangular shape and dense, mineralized texture compared to surrounding stones.
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