fossil

Shark Tooth Fossil

Lamniformes (Shark tooth fossil composed of Fluorapatite)

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or white when modern, often black/grey/brown when fossilized; Luster: Vitreous; Structure: Enamel-covered dentin; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 6, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or white when modern, often black/grey/brown when fossilized; Luster: Vitreous; Structure: Enamel-covered dentin; Specific Gravity: Approx 3.0

Formation & geological history

Formed through the permineralization of shark teeth. As a shark sheds thousands of teeth, they settle into seafloor sediments. Over millions of years, water deposits minerals into the tooth. Most common specimens range from 5 to 50 million years old (Miocene and Pliocene).

Uses & applications

Primarily used for collecting, jewelry (pendants), and as educational specimens for paleontology.

Geological facts

Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. Unlike bone, the enamel of the tooth is extremely hard and resists decay, making teeth the most common shark fossils found today.

Field identification & locations

Look for triangular shapes and serrations in coastal sediments or creek beds. A fossil tooth will be hard and rock-like, whereas a modern tooth will feel more like bone/fiber.

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