Fossilized Shark Tooth fragment or Polished Coprolite
Indeterminate Chondrichthyes (cf. Carcharhinus or Otodus fragment) • Body fossil (Vertebrate fragment), likely a partial shark tooth or phosphatized bone piece
Geological Period
Likely Neogene to Paleogene (Miocene or Eocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 50 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization and Phosphatization; high degree of silicate infiltration giving a polished, stone-like texture.
Condition Assessment
Fair (Worn); the specimen is highly weathered and lacks diagnostic distal edges or serrations, which are eroded away.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes (suggestive), Family: Order: Lamniformes (possible)
Morphological Description
Elongated, sub-conical to flattened specimen with a deep brown to black lustrous patina. Shows rounded edges consistent with significant fluvial or marine erosion (water-worn). Evidence of a possible root-to-crown transition or internal canal structure visible at one end.
Rock Matrix
Matrix-free; likely weathered out of an unconsolidated marine sediment like phosphate-rich sand or clay.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Peace River Formation (Florida) or similar Atlantic Coastal Plain deposits (South Carolina/Maryland).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 - 2 cm in length; consistent with a partial tooth or small bone fragment.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD
Auction Estimate
$0 - $10 USD (as part of a bulk study lot)
Rarity Assessment
Common; such fragments are found in high concentrations in phosphate mines and coastal riverbeds.
Scientific Significance
Low; while it indicates the presence of vertebrate life in an ancient marine environment, the lack of diagnostic features limits its use for biostratigraphy.
Preparation Recommendations
No further preparation needed; store in a dry environment. Keep in a small acrylic gem jar for display.
Notable Features
The high degree of natural polishing suggests it spent significant time in a high-energy aquatic environment (surf zone or river current).