Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Striatolamia macrota (cf.) • Body fossil (vertebrate dental element)
Geological Period
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene (likely Eocene or Oligocene)
Estimated Age
34 - 56 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with phosphate replacement of hydroxyapatite
Condition Assessment
Good. The crown is mostly intact with high luster; however, the distal side-cusplets appear worn or broken, and the root lobes show significant abrasive wear.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Striatolamia or Carcharias
Morphological Description
Slender, elongated central crown with a slight lingual recurvature. The crown is smooth-edged (non-serrated). The root is widely bifurcated with two distinct lobes forming a 'V' or 'Y' shape. Visible nutrient groove in the center of the root lingual protuberance.
Rock Matrix
Specimen is cleaned; likely originally from phosphate-rich sandy matrix or glauconitic limestone
Formation & Location
Potomac River deposits (Maryland/Virginia, USA) or Khouribga phosphate basins (Morocco)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 - 3.5 cm in total height, typical for an anterior position tooth
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $20.00 USD (commonly sold in bulk lots)
Rarity Assessment
Common; sand tiger shark teeth are among the most frequently discovered vertebrate fossils in marine deposits worldwide.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of Eocene marine paleoecology, indicating warm, shallow coastal shelf environments and the presence of apex predatory fish in the Tethyan or Atlantic seaways.
Preparation Recommendations
Keep dry and away from acidic cleaners. Stabilize fragile root with Paraloid B-72 if crumbling occurs. Display in a membrane box or Riker mount.
Notable Features
Features a prominent nutritive pore/groove on the root and displays the characteristic needle-like aesthetic of Odontaspid shark species.