fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Elasmobranchii tooth (commonly Otodus or Scapanorhynchus sp.)

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Beige, tan, light brown, enameloid shiny sheen; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine on enamel; Structure: Triangular blade with a distinct two-lobed root structure

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Color: Beige, tan, light brown, enameloid shiny sheen
Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine on enamel

Identified July 22, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Beige, tan, light brown, enameloid shiny sheen; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine on enamel; Structure: Triangular blade with a distinct two-lobed root structure

Formation & geological history

Formed during the Cretaceous to Paleogene periods (approx. 50-100 million years ago) through permineralization, where calcium phosphate in the tooth is replaced or infill-fortified by ambient sediment minerals in marine environments.

Uses & applications

Popular in educational collections, fossil display sets, jewelry (pendants), and souvenir items.

Geological facts

Sharks shed thousands of teeth throughout their lifetime because their teeth are arranged in rows that continuously move forward like a conveyor belt to replace lost ones.

Field identification & locations

Identified by the distinct sharp triangular enamel crown attached to a porous, bi-lobed root base. Frequently found along coastal beaches, stream beds, and phosphate mines in regions like Morocco, Florida, and the US East Coast.

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