fossil

Shark Tooth Fossil

Carcharocles megalodon or similar extinct shark tooth

Hardness around 5 on the Mohs scale due to mineralization; color ranges from tan, brown, black, to grey depending on the minerals in the surrounding sediment; vitreous to dull luster; composed primarily of fluorapatite and calcium phosphate.

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization, where minerals in groundwater replace the original organic material of the tooth over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Collected by hobbyists, used in educational displays, and sometimes crafted into jewelry.

Geological facts

Shark teeth are shed continuously throughout a shark's life, resulting in millions of teeth entering the fossil record. Teeth are often the most common shark fossils found because of their hard enameloid coating.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary deposits, riverbeds, and coastal cliffs worldwide. Collectors often search sandbars or use sifters in known fossiliferous layers.

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems

Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils

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