fossil

Fossilized tooth, likely mammoth or mastodon molar fragment

Proboscidean molar enamel and dentin; exact species requires expert examination

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies: enamel about Mohs 5–6, dentin about 2–3; cream-white enamel contrasts with tan-brown dentin and darker mineral staining. The layered, ridged structure and irregular worn surface are characteristic of a tooth rather than ordinary stone.

Identified August 27, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossilized tooth, likely mammoth or mastodon molar fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

A proboscidean tooth formed biologically, then became fossilized as mineral-rich groundwater replaced or impregnated the tissues, commonly during the Pleistocene (about 2.6 million–11,700 years ago).

Uses & applications

Primarily a collectible and educational fossil; intact teeth and identifiable molar plates may be used in museum displays and research.

Geological facts

Mammoth and mastodon molars contain repeated enamel plates designed to grind vegetation. The photograph shows only a small, worn fragment, so species identification is uncertain.

Field identification & locations

Look for repeated enamel ridges or plates, dentin, and a tooth-like layered geometry; mammoth teeth are common in Alaska, Siberia, and the continental United States, while mastodon fossils occur widely in North America. Avoid acids, soaking, and aggressive cleaning.