mineral

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Bioapatite (Calcium Hydroxyapatite) replacement

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, cream, or beige
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

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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.