fossil

Polished fossil tooth, likely shark tooth

Likely fossilized shark tooth; exact taxon cannot be determined from this image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown, heavily mineralized, smooth and matte-to-waxy surface with preserved enamel-like ridges and internal crack patterns; fossil apatite commonly has Mohs hardness about 5, though matrix and alteration vary. The broad triangular form and apparent crown/root structure suggest a tooth rather than ordinary stone.

Identified September 14, 2026More fossil →

Explore Polished fossil tooth, likely shark tooth 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

Formed as a biological tooth, then buried in marine sediment and mineralized during diagenesis, commonly over millions of years. Its geological age and species require locality and microscopic examination.

Uses & applications

Primarily a fossil-collecting and educational specimen; polished examples are sometimes sold as curios, jewelry components, or décor, but it has no major industrial use.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are among the most commonly preserved vertebrate fossils because sharks continuously replace teeth and enamel resists decay. The visible pale vein-like patterns may reflect mineral-filled cracks or weathering.

Field identification & locations

Look for enamel, a distinct crown, root lobes, serrations, and a dense phosphate-rich feel; test cautiously because acid and scratching can damage it. Common finds occur in marine sedimentary deposits worldwide, especially coastal exposures and phosphate beds.