Rock Identifier
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Selachii (Elasmobranchii subclass)) — fossil
fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Selachii (Elasmobranchii subclass)

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to beige, Luster: Vitreous/enamel-like, Structure: Triangular blade with a lost or damaged root, Composition: Bio-apatite (Calcium Phosphate)

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to beige, Luster: Vitreous/enamel-like, Structure: Triangular blade with a lost or damaged root, Composition: Bio-apatite (Calcium Phosphate)

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization where minerals replace the original tooth tissue over millions of years. Likely from the Cenozoic era, found in marine sedimentary layers.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for educational collections, jewelry (as pendants), and as a hobbyist collectible.

Geological facts

Sharks lose thousands of teeth throughout their lives, making them the most common vertebrate fossils found worldwide. This specimen appears to be a smaller, modern-era or sub-fossilized sand shark or lemon shark tooth.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in coastal areas, riverbeds (like those in Florida/South Carolina), or phosphate mines. Identify by the sharp triangular blade and smooth enamel texture.