fossil

Shark Tooth Fossil

Selachii fossil

Hardness: Varies by mineralization (often Mohs 5-7 if replaced by quartz/silica); Color: Grey, black, brown, or tan; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Triangular or conical enameloid crown with a root structure.

Color: Grey, black, brown, or tan
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified August 3, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization, where minerals gradually replace the original biological material of shark teeth over millions of years, often dating from the Cretaceous to Neogene periods.

Uses & applications

Collected by fossil enthusiasts, used in educational displays, and crafted into jewelry.

Geological facts

Sharks shed thousands of teeth in a lifetime, making teeth the most common shark fossil found worldwide. Their preservation depends heavily on the surrounding sediment blocking oxygen and decay.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary deposits, riverbeds, and coastal cliffs. Look for the distinct triangular crown, glossy enamel texture, and a chevron-shaped root.