Rock Identifier
Shark Tooth Fossil (Vertebrate fossilized tooth (various genera such as Carcharodon, Otodus, or Negaprion)) — fossil
fossil

Shark Tooth Fossil

Vertebrate fossilized tooth (various genera such as Carcharodon, Otodus, or Negaprion)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale (due to mineralization, primarily apatite/fluorapatite). Color: Varies from tan, brown, black, grey to bluish depending on minerals replacing the organic material during fossilization. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Structure: Crystalline mineral replacement of original dentin and enamel.

Luster
Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale (due to mineralization, primarily apatite/fluorapatite). Color: Varies from tan, brown, black, grey to bluish depending on minerals replacing the organic material during fossilization. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Structure: Crystalline mineral replacement of original dentin and enamel.

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization, where groundwater rich in minerals such as silica, iron, or calcium replaces the original biological material of the tooth over thousands to millions of years. Common in marine sedimentary deposits dating from the Devonian period to recent times.

Uses & applications

Used in fossil collecting, education, jewelry, and lapidary arts.

Geological facts

Sharks lose thousands of teeth in their lifetimes, making teeth the most common type of shark fossil found worldwide. Some fossil teeth, such as those from Megalodon, can reach over 7 inches in length.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary rock layers, riverbeds, coastal cliffs, and desert areas that were once ancient oceans. Collectors often search river gravels or eroding cliffs after heavy rains.

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