Fossil Shark Tooth Fragment / Double-Rooted Hemipristis Tooth
Hemipristis cf. serra • Vertebrate body fossil (shark tooth)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene epoch)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with surface recrystallization and weathering
Condition Assessment
Fair; incomplete crown portion with visible breakage and significant surface wear, retaining the root structure
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Carcharhiniformes, Family: Hemigaleidae, Genus: Hemipristis, Species: Hemipristis serra
Morphological Description
The specimen exhibits a distinctive upper jaw tooth morphology with a broad crown base and characteristic bifurcated or double-rooted structure typical of Hemipristis (snaggletooth shark). The preserved portions show serrated enameloid edges degraded into a worn, chalky texture.
Rock Matrix
Free-standing specimen cleaned of matrix, retaining minor sandy phosphate and carbonate residue
Formation & Location
Hawthorn Group / Peace River Formation, Florida, USA
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 cm across, representing a sub-adult to adult individual within the standard size range for the taxon
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25
Rarity Assessment
Common; frequently found in the phosphate deposits and river beds of the southeastern United States
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient marine predator populations and coastal marine environments of the Miocene epoch
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with soft brushes; store in a dry, stable environment with optional light consolidation if structural stability is threatened
Notable Features
Distinctive double root system characteristic of the Hemipristis genus, making it easily identifiable despite missing crown tips