Fossil Shark Tooth Fragment or Ray Spine Barbs
Incomplete specimen; likely cf. Carcharias sp. (Sand Tiger) or Myliobatis sp. (Ray spine fragment) • Body fossil; Vertebrate micro-fossil remnant
Geological Period
Likely Cretaceous to Neogene (Miocene/Pliocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 100 million years
Preservation Type
Replacement/Permineralization with phosphate and iron minerals
Condition Assessment
Poor to Fair; fragmentary and heavily abraded with missing diagnostic anatomical landmarks
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata; Class: Chondrichthyes; Order: Lamniformes or Myliobatiformes
Morphological Description
Elongated, blackened, cylindrical to sub-rectangular fragment with parallel longitudinal striations and a high-gloss enameloid surface texture. Shows signs of wave-action tumbling and breakage at both proximal and distal ends.
Rock Matrix
None present (loose find); likely originated from marine phosphate beds or glauconitic sands
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Atlantic Coastal Plain (e.g., Calvert Formation, Maryland or Peace River, Florida, USA)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 - 2.0 cm in length; consistent with a partial root or small shark tooth blade fragment
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD
Auction Estimate
Negligible (Typically sold in bulk lots for $10 - $20)
Rarity Assessment
Common; found in high concentrations in many fossiliferous beach and river deposits
Scientific Significance
Limited; serves as an indicator of paleo-marine environments and taphonomic processes in coastal lag deposits
Preparation Recommendations
Requires no further preparation; rinse with distilled water to remove salts and store in a dry, padded container
Notable Features
Heavy mineralization resulting in a distinct 'jet black' coloration and high-sheen polish, characteristic of phosphate-rich marine lag deposits.