fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Carcharodon carcharias or similar Lamniformes ancestor (fossilized hydroxylapatite replaced by minerals)

Hardness: 5 (similar to apatite); Color: Tan, beige, brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Shape: Triangular crown with broad root structure; Specific gravity: approx 3.0

Hardness: 5 (similar to apatite)
Color: Tan, beige, brown
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 18, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossilized Shark Tooth 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 (similar to apatite); Color: Tan, beige, brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Shape: Triangular crown with broad root structure; Specific gravity: approx 3.0

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization where minerals like silica or calcium carbonate replace biological tissue over millions of years, typically from the Eocene to Miocene epochs.

Uses & applications

Scientific study of ancient marine ecosystems, popular collector items, and component in jewelry such as necklaces.

Geological facts

Shark skeletons are cartilaginous and rarely fossilize, but their teeth are composed of hard dentin and enamel, allowing them to mineralize easily in marine sediments. A single shark can shed thousands of teeth in its lifetime.

Field identification & locations

Identified by the sharp cusp and distinct root. Commonly found in riverbeds, coastal beaches (like Venice, Florida), and phosphate mines. Collectors look for lack of chips and presence of the root.

Other fossil specimens

See all

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

fossil

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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