Shark Tooth (Sand Tiger Shark or similar)
cf. Striatolamia macrota or Carcharias sp. • Body fossil (Vertebrate tooth)
Geological Period
Cretaceous to Neogene (likely Eocene or Miocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 66 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (replacement of hydroxyapatite with phosphate and other minerals)
Condition Assessment
Good; the tip appears intact, though the root lobes show minor abrasion and weathering typical of surface-collected fossils.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Striatolamia or Carcharias
Morphological Description
Elongated, slender cusp with a sharp apex and a curved profile. The base shows a bifurcated root structure typical of lamniform sharks. Visible nutrient pore on the root surface. The crown is smooth, though slight striations may be present at the base common in sand tiger species.
Rock Matrix
None (specimen is isolated/excavated); suggests original deposition in marine phosphate beds, limestone, or sandy marl.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Khouribga Basin (Morocco), Peace River (Florida, USA), or various North Sea deposits (Belgium/UK).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 - 2 cm in length, which is a standard size for lateral or juvenile specimens of this taxon.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD (as part of a bulk lot or beginner collection)
Rarity Assessment
Common; sand tiger shark teeth are produced in high quantities throughout the predator's life and are ubiquitous in many fossil-bearing Cenozoic marine deposits.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of past marine biodiversity and allows for the dating of sedimentary strata through biostratigraphy. Suggests a warm, shallow marine paleoenvironment.
Preparation Recommendations
No further preparation required besides cleaning with a soft brush and distilled water. Store in a padded gem jar or small plastic bag to prevent tip breakage.
Notable Features
Distinctive slender 'needle-like' cusp designed for grasping slippery prey like fish; the beige/tan coloration suggests oxygenated depositional conditions compared to black/grey phosphate-rich environments.