Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Carcharias cf. taurus • Body fossil, vertebrate tooth
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene/Pliocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization and fossilization of original biogenic material (apatite/phosphate replacement)
Condition Assessment
Good, root lobes are slightly worn or incomplete, crown tip shows minor tip damage, otherwise well-preserved enameloid
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Carcharias, Species: Carcharias taurus
Morphological Description
Single narrow, elongated, pointed anterior/lateral crown with smooth cutting edges, prominent root lobes divided by a deep nutrient groove, and a single small accessory denticle visible on one side of the base of the crown.
Rock Matrix
None (clean unmatrixed specimen)
Formation & Location
Coos Bay, Oregon or similar marine fossiliferous deposits, worldwide distribution in coastal marine formations
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 20mm in height, matching typical adult anterior/lateral teeth of modern and fossil sand tiger sharks
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25
Rarity Assessment
Common
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient marine vertebrate biodiversity, predatory coastal ecosystems, and the evolutionary history of lamniform sharks
Preparation Recommendations
Requires no further preparation; store in a dry, stable environment away from high humidity to prevent any mineral degradation
Notable Features
Clearly visible lateral cusplet/denticle at the base of the crown and well-defined root morphology