Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Carcharias cf. taurus • Body Fossil (Vertebrate tooth)
Geological Period
Miocene to Pliocene
Estimated Age
3.6 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Replacement (Permineralization with phosphate and iron minerals)
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the crown is largely intact with a sharp tip, but the root structure is missing due to water-worn erosion.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Carcharias
Morphological Description
Slender, elongated needle-like crown with a slight lingual curvature. The specimen lacks the traditional root and lateral small cusplets typical of Sand Tiger teeth, likely due to wave-action erosion. The enameloid is smooth with a dark, lustrous patina.
Rock Matrix
None (Isolated specimen found in coastal shell hash/surf zone)
Formation & Location
Peace River Formation (Hawthorn Group), found at Venice Beach (Sarasota County), Florida, USA.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 0.75 - 1.0 inch in length; consistent with mid-sized Carcharias specimens.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $5.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $10.00 USD (typically sold in larger bulk lots rather than individual items)
Rarity Assessment
Common; Venice Beach is known as the 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World,' where these are found in high concentrations.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of Neogene marine biodiversity in the Atlantic/Gulf coast coastal shelf ecosystems and highlights the predatory dynamics of shallow-water sharks.
Preparation Recommendations
Rinse with fresh water to remove salt; no aggressive chemicals needed. Store in a padded display case or small vial to prevent tip breakage.
Notable Features
The dark brownish-black coloration is indicative of the phosphorite-rich environments of the Florida Miocene deposits.
Notes
Sarasota Fl Vince Beach