Mineral/Fossil
Megalodon Shark Tooth (Partial Fossil)
Otodus megalodon (fossilized in Calcium Phosphate/Apatite)
Hardness: 5 (Enamel); Color: Gray, black, and tan (due to permineralization); Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull; Structure: Fossilized organic dental tissue; Cleavage: None
- Hardness
- 5 (Enamel)
- Color
- Gray, black, and tan (due to permineralization)
- Luster
- Sub-vitreous to dull
Identified More mineral/fossil →
Explore Megalodon Shark Tooth (Partial Fossil) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5 (Enamel); Color: Gray, black, and tan (due to permineralization); Luster: Sub-vitreous to dull; Structure: Fossilized organic dental tissue; Cleavage: None
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization where minerals from surrounding sediment (often phosphate-rich) replace organic material over millions of years. This specimen likely dates to the Miocene or Pliocene epochs (approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago).
Uses & applications
Predominantly for fossil collecting and scientific research. Highly valued as decorative display pieces and historical artifacts of ancient marine life.
Geological facts
Megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived, reaching lengths of up to 50-60 feet. Their teeth are the most common fossil remains found because sharks lose thousands of teeth throughout their lives.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the characteristic 'bourlette' (the V-shaped area between the crown and root) and serrated edges, though this specimen is heavily worn/eroded. Commonly found in coastal riverbeds and offshore deposits in the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida and South Carolina.
More like this
Other mineral/fossil specimens
Orthoceratid Fossil in Limestone
Orthoceras (extinct genus of Nautiloid Cephalopod)
sedimentary
Earth
Terra / Earth
igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic
Fossil Rugose Coral (Horn Coral)
Order Rugosa (likely Grewingkia or Heliophyllum species); Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Sandstone (with Brachiopod or Bivalve mold)
Clastic Sedimentary Rock with Macrofossil Mold
sedimentary
Fossilized Fish (Lepidotes)
Lepidotes sp. (Order: Lepisosteiformes)
sedimentary
Fish Fossil in Limestone
Lycoptera (likely) in Micritic Limestone
sedimentary