Carcharocles / Otodus shark tooth (highly weathered)
Otodus (Carcharocles) megalodon (cf. highly eroded) • Body fossil (Vertebrate tooth)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene)
Estimated Age
2.6 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with extreme mechanical abrasion (water-worn/tumbled)
Condition Assessment
Poor (as a fossil specimen) to Fair (as a display 'heart' stone). The specimen is heavily weathered, missing the enameloid crown and all diagnostic serrations.
Taxonomic Classification
Chordata, Chondrichthyes, Lamniformes, Otodontidae, Genus Otodus (subgenus Carcharocles)
Morphological Description
A heart-shaped, flattened biological structure. One side shows possible vestigial nutrients pores and faint striations. The shape suggests the labial or lingual view of a heavily stream-worn shark tooth root and base, though significant water-tumbling has removed all serrations, the enameloid crown, and the distal/mesial cutting edges, leaving a rounded, pebble-like silhouette.
Rock Matrix
None attached; however, the brown coloration suggests phosphatization in a marine lag deposit or bone bed.
Formation & Location
Likely sourced from Atlantic Coastal Plain deposits (e.g., Calvert Formation, MD or Hawthorn Group, FL/SC) or similar Neogene marine deposits globally.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 25-35mm in width; smaller than an average adult Megalodon tooth, consistent with a juvenile or a secondary/posterior tooth position.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $20 USD (as part of a bulk lot of river-worn fossils)
Rarity Assessment
Common. Water-worn tooth fragments and roots are frequently found in tidal rivers and beaches in fossil-rich regions.
Scientific Significance
Low. Due to the loss of diagnostic anatomical features (the crown and serrations), it provides little data beyond confirming the presence of large lamniform sharks in the depositional environment.
Preparation Recommendations
No further preparation required. Should be kept in a stable environment; the dark patina suggests it is already well-mineralized and stable.
Notable Features
The most notable feature is the accidental 'heart' shape created by natural erosion, which makes it an attractive 'pocket stone' or curiosity despite its lack of scientific detail.