sedimentary

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Elasmobranchii fossil (likely Odontaspididae family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to beige, Luster: Vitreous/Glossy enamel with a dull earthy root, Structure: Triangular blade with a porous root base, Cleavage: None

Identified June 21, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to beige, Luster: Vitreous/Glossy enamel with a dull earthy root, Structure: Triangular blade with a porous root base, Cleavage: None

Formation & geological history

Formed via permineralization where minerals like calcium phosphate or silica replace organic dental tissue over millions of years; common in marine sedimentary deposits from the Cenozoic era.

Uses & applications

Primarily for paleontological study, educational collections, and jewelry making (wire-wrapped pendants).

Geological facts

Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. Unlike bone, shark skeletons are cartilage and rarely fossilize, making teeth the most common evidence of prehistoric sharks.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the sharp, pointed enamel blade and the distinct, porous root section. Common in coastal regions like Florida, Morocco, and South Carolina.