Fossil Shark Tooth Fragment (Highly suggestive of a Carcharhinus species or Sand Tiger)
Phylum: Chordata; Class: Chondrichthyes; Order: Carcharhiniformes/Lamniformes; Family: Varies; Genus: Varies; Species: Indeterminate · Non-molluscan; Fossilized Chondrichthyes (Shark family teeth) · Fossilized Shark Tooth (Not a seashell/mollusk). Fragmentary state, showing a partial root and the base of a crown blade.
Species
Indeterminate fossil Carcharhinid or Odontaspidid (Confidence level: 60% for a partial root/crown junction)
Shell Type
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Not a seashell/mollusk). Fragmentary state, showing a partial root and the base of a crown blade.
Family
Non-molluscan; Fossilized Chondrichthyes (Shark family teeth)
Size
Approximately 12-15mm (0.5 inches). This is a very small specimen, likely a fragment of a larger tooth or a small lateral tooth.
Color & Pattern
Uniformly charcoal black to deep mahogany. This dark coloration is due to the permineralization process, where minerals like phosphate or manganese leach into the tooth over millions of years.
Rarity
Very Common. Fragments of this size and condition are frequently found by beachcombers in fossiliferous regions.
Habitat
Originally pelagic/marine (open ocean or coastal). Now found as a fossil in sedimentary layers or redeposited on beaches.
Geographic Range
Found globally in fossil-rich coastal areas. In North America, highly common in the Atlantic Coastal Plain (NC, SC, GA, FL) and the Gulf Coast.
Description
A small, heavily water-worn fossil shark tooth fragment. It appears to be the basal portion of a tooth where the rooted section meets the enameloid crown. The specimen has been tumbled by ocean currents, smoothing the sharp edges typical of a fresh fossil.
Key Features
Triangular or hooked silhouette; dense, stony texture; characteristic 'T' or 'Y' shape of a shark tooth root visible in some angles; lack of molluscan growth rings or an aperture.
Collector Value
Negligible ($0.10 - $1.00). These are mostly valued as 'souvenir' finds rather than investment-grade specimens. Complete, identifiable teeth of larger species hold significantly more value.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair (fragmented). The tooth is missing the sharp apex and possibly one of the root lobes. Its surfaces are rounded by abrasive sand and surf. Collectibility Grade: Low/Study Grade.
Interesting Facts
Sharks can lose tens of thousands of teeth in a lifetime. Unlike bone, which often decays, the high mineral content of shark enamel makes them ideal candidates for fossilization, dating back up to 450 million years.
Ecological Role
As fossils, they serve as indicators of prehistoric marine environments and past sea levels. The living species were apex predators essential for maintaining healthy fish populations.
Similar Species
Often confused with fossilized stingray mouth plates, petrified wood fragments, or black phosphate pebbles. Unlike pebbles, it will have a distinct symmetrical anatomy and a glossy enameloid finish.
Beach Finding Tips
Search at the 'shell line' or 'black sand' deposits after a storm. Looking for small black, shiny triangles amongst broken shell debris is the most effective method.