Rock Identifier
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Chondrichthyes (Class) fossil) — fossil
fossil

Fossilized Shark Tooth

Chondrichthyes (Class) fossil

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies by mineralization (typically Mohs 4-5 for the tooth material), color ranges from grey to brown, black, or tan depending on surrounding sediment minerals, vitreous to dull luster, distinct triangular or curved shape with serrated or smooth cutting edges.

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Physical properties

Hardness varies by mineralization (typically Mohs 4-5 for the tooth material), color ranges from grey to brown, black, or tan depending on surrounding sediment minerals, vitreous to dull luster, distinct triangular or curved shape with serrated or smooth cutting edges.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization, where minerals in groundwater replace the original organic material of a shark's tooth over thousands to millions of years, typically dating from the Cretaceous to Neogene periods.

Uses & applications

Popular among fossil collectors, used in jewelry making, and serves as an important index fossil for paleontological research and dating geological strata.

Geological facts

Sharks shed thousands of teeth in a lifetime, making teeth the most common shark fossil found worldwide. Famous localities include the Peace River in Florida and various coastal regions.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by their characteristic triangular or symmetrical shape, distinct root, and lack of bone structure; commonly found in river gravels, coastal cliffs, and excavated sedimentary layers.

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Bioclastic limestone, composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)

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