Shark Tooth Fragment (Sand Tiger or Mackerel Shark)
cf. Carcharias sp. or Striatolamia sp. (worn/incomplete) • Body fossil (vertebrate dental material)
Geological Period
Neogene Period (Miocene to Pliocene Epochs)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with phosphate replacement (hydroxyapatite to fluoroapatite transition)
Condition Assessment
Poor to Fair; significant water-rolling and abrasion, missing the root and lateral cusplets.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae or Lamnidae
Morphological Description
Small, triangular fossilized tooth fragment exhibiting a dark, melanized enameloid surface. The specimen appears to be the apical portion of a crown, lacking the root structures. Visible longitudinal striations or cracking suggest natural weathering or taphonomic stress.
Rock Matrix
None attached; typically found in loose marine sediments or phosphate-rich lag deposits like the Bone Valley Formation.
Formation & Location
Likely found in the Peace River Formation (Florida, USA) or similar Atlantic Coastal Plain deposits (Maryland/North Carolina).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 12-15mm; small relative to complete apex predator teeth but typical for common nursery or smaller species fragments.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
Minimal ($0.50 - $2.00 USD)
Auction Estimate
Not applicable as a solo lot; might be included in a 'bulk lot' of assorted shark teeth for $10 - $20.
Rarity Assessment
Common; coastal marine deposits of this age frequently produce thousands of such fragments.
Scientific Significance
Low; provides evidence of elasmobranch diversity in Neogene marine environments but lacks enough diagnostic features for precise bio-stratigraphy.
Preparation Recommendations
No preparation required; keep in a dry environment and store in a small membrane box or glass vial to prevent further chipping.
Notable Features
High-gloss black coloration suggests high levels of manganese or phosphate during fossilization in an anaerobic environment.