Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Carcharias cf. Carcharias taurus • Body fossil, vertebrate tooth
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years old
Preservation Type
Permineralization and fossilization of the original dentine and enameloid structures.
Condition Assessment
Good condition, featuring an intact main cusp tip and clear lateral denticles, with some standard wear and adhering matrix on the root.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Chondrichthyes, Order Lamniformes, Family Odontaspididae, Genus Carcharias
Morphological Description
Elongated, slender, triangular main cusp with smooth cutting edges, accompanied by prominent lateral denticles (side cusps) on a broad, two-lobed root. The enameloid is well-preserved and smooth.
Rock Matrix
Light-colored phosphate-rich sandy limestone or sedimentary matrix adhering to the root portion.
Formation & Location
Often found in Miocene marine deposits, such as the Hawthorne Formation in Florida, USA, or various phosphate deposits in Morocco.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 20 mm in height, matching the size range of typical anterior or lateral teeth of medium-sized sand tiger sharks, shown next to a standard 2 Euro coin (25.75 mm diameter).
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
10 to 30 USD
Auction Estimate
15 to 25 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, widely distributed across Miocene marine fossil sites globally.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient marine predator populations, trophic structures, and coastal shallow-water paleoenvironments during the Miocene epoch.
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush to remove loose surface matrix; store in a dry environment protected from moisture.
Notable Features
Presence of distinct lateral cusps flanking the primary blade, which are characteristic of sand tiger sharks and aid in gripping slippery prey.