fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Chondrichthyes (Class)

Hardness varies by mineral replacement (often Mohs 5-7), color ranges from tan, gray, brown, to black depending on the minerals in the sediment, luster can be dull to vitreous, specific gravity around 2.5-3.0.

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization, where original organic material is gradually replaced by minerals like silica, calcium carbonate, or pyrite over millions of years, typically ranging from Cretaceous to Neogene periods.

Uses & applications

Collected by enthusiasts, used in educational displays, and sometimes set into jewelry.

Geological facts

Sharks shed thousands of teeth over their lifetime, making teeth the most common part of the shark to be found in the fossil record.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary rock layers, riverbeds, and coastal cliffs where ancient seas once covered the land; identified by their triangular or conical shape and sometimes serrated edges.