Fossilized Shark Tooth fragment / Ray Tooth / Fish Tooth (Indeterminate)
Indeterminate chondrichthyan or osteichthyan tooth fragment (cf. Myliobatis or Sphaerodus fragment) • Body fossil (Vertebrate isolated tooth / oral plate fragment)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene) or Cretaceous
Estimated Age
5 to 20 million years (Miocene/Pliocene) or ~66-100 million years (Cretaceous)
Preservation Type
Permineralization / Mineral Replacement with iron oxide staining
Condition Assessment
Fair to Poor - Incomplete, rolled/eroded fragment lacking clear diagnostic anatomical crowns or roots
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes (or Actinopterygii), Order/Family: Indeterminate
Morphological Description
Small, heavily weathered bone/enameloid fragment showing a smooth, slightly convex crest or root base structure with layered calcification and yellowish-tan oxidation.
Rock Matrix
No surrounding matrix attached; likely eroded from marine marly limestone, sandstone, or calcarenite
Formation & Location
Neogene marine basins of Southeast Spain (e.g., Betic Cordillera region, Murcia/Alicante coastal deposits)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.0 - 1.5 cm in maximum length
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD (Minimal commercial value due to fragmentary nature)
Auction Estimate
$5 - $10 USD (Not suitable for standalone auction sale)
Rarity Assessment
Common - Small broken marine bone and tooth fragments are frequently encountered in coastal Neogene strata.
Scientific Significance
Low - Represents common fragmented marine vertebrate material from coastal or shallow marine deposits in Southern Spain.
Preparation Recommendations
No further mechanical preparation required. Keep dry in a clear plastic display container or gem jar.
Notable Features
Smooth, rounded surface showing typical marine transport wear (water-worn pebble effect) with iron oxide staining.
Notes
South east spain