Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Striatolamia macrota • Body fossil (Vertebrate tooth)
Geological Period
Eocene epoch (of the Paleogene period)
Estimated Age
Approx. 45 to 55 million years
Preservation Type
Recrystallized hydroxyapatite/permineralization; the enameloid is well-preserved with a light cream typical of phosphate-rich environments.
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; the crown is largely intact with a sharp tip, though the root lobes show some minor erosional weathering and the lateral cusplets appear missing/abraded.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata; Class: Chondrichthyes; Order: Lamniform; Family: Odontaspididae; Genus: Striatolamia
Morphological Description
The specimen features a long, slender, and slightly curved central cusp with a smooth labial face. It lacks distinct lateral cusplets, which are often broken or worn in such specimens. The root is deeply bifurcated with two distinct lobes, characteristic of the Sand Tiger lineages. Fine longitudinal striations (lingually) are typical for this genus but may be worn.
Rock Matrix
None present on specimen, but likely derived from a sandy, phosphatic marine sediment layer.
Formation & Location
Potentially the Ouled Abdoun Basin, Morocco (Khouribga region) or the London Clay Formation, UK.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 to 3.0 cm in height; consistent with average adult specimens of the genus Striatolamia.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $20.00 USD (typically sold in bulk lots at auction)
Rarity Assessment
Common; these teeth are found in high concentrations in specific global Eocene deposits.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of Eocene marine paleoecology, illustrating the distribution of apex and mid-level lamniform predators in warm Cenozoic seas.
Preparation Recommendations
Requires minimal preparation; mild cleaning with water and a soft brush to remove dust. Store in a padded gem jar or plastic case to prevent enamel chipping.
Notable Features
The light coloration is distinctive; most fossils from these regions are darker (brown or gray), suggesting a specific chemical environment during fossilization that preserved the primary cream/white color.