Megalodon or Carcharocles Tooth Fragment / Fossilized Shark Tooth Root
Otodus cf. megalodon • Body fossil, Vertebrate (Chondrichthyes)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene)
Estimated Age
3.6 - 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with heavy mineralization (likely phosphate and iron replacement), resulting in a jet-black, dense, stone-like texture.
Condition Assessment
Poor/Fragmentary; heavily water-worn with significant erosion of the crown and serrations; only the durable root/base remains.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Otodontidae, Genus: Otodus (formerly Carcharocles)
Morphological Description
A dark, highly phosphatized fragment consisting primarily of the root and the neck (bourrelette) area of a shark tooth. The specimen shows a characteristic bulbous root structure with a deep black patina and longitudinal striations where the tooth enameloid would have attached.
Rock Matrix
None attached; specimen is a loose 'beach-worn' or 'river-worn' find typically recovered from phosphate-rich sediments.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Hawthorn Group (Florida), the Yorktown Formation (North Carolina/Virginia), or similar coastal Atlantic deposits in the USA.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cm; small compared to complete specimens of the same taxon, representing only a minor fragment of the original structure.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD
Auction Estimate
$0 - $10 USD (usually sold in bulk lots)
Rarity Assessment
Common; such fragments are found in high abundance in Miocene/Pliocene shark tooth localities.
Scientific Significance
Low; while iconic of Neogene marine environments, this specific specimen lacks the diagnostic enamel features required for detailed morphological or evolutionary study.
Preparation Recommendations
No specialized preparation needed. Minimal cleaning with water and soft brush; store in a dry environment to prevent further mechanical wear.
Notable Features
The jet-black coloration is indicative of high phosphate levels in the depositional environment, typical of classic Southeastern US fossil sites.