mineral
Fossilized Shark Tooth
Bioapatite (Calcium Hydroxyapatite) replacement
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, cream, or beige; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Pointed blade with a distinct root base; Composition: Mineralized phosphate.
- Hardness
- 5 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, cream, or beige
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, cream, or beige; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Pointed blade with a distinct root base; Composition: Mineralized phosphate.
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization where minerals like silica or calcite replace the organic bone/enamel material over millions of years. This specimen likely dates to the Cenozoic or Cretaceous periods.
Uses & applications
Primarily collected for scientific study, educational purposes, and used in jewelry (pendants).
Geological facts
Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. Unlike modern white teeth, fossilized ones change color based on the sediment minerals where they were buried.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the sharp, triangular shape and a distinct textural difference between the smooth crown and the porous root. Commonly found in coastal sedimentary deposits or riverbeds.
