Fossilized Shark Tooth Fragment / Otodus Tooth
Otodus cf. megalodon (fragmentary specimen) • Body fossil, vertebrate remains (chondrichthyan tooth fragment)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene epochs)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization and heavy replacement (fluorapatite and silica replacement of original dentine/enameloid)
Condition Assessment
Poor to Fair; highly worn, fragmented, and incomplete, lacking the pristine root lobes and complete crown tip typical of undamaged collector specimens
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Otodontidae, Genus: Otodus, Species: Otodus cf. megalodon
Morphological Description
The specimen exhibits a thick, robust root structure surrounding a portion of a heavily worn triangular blade. Serrated edges are faintly or partially visible along the preserved margins, though significant erosion obscures fine enamel details. The surface displays a dark greyish-brown coloration with glossy polished areas, likely due to aqueous transport or historical mineral coating.
Rock Matrix
Minor residual phosphatic or silty matrix, heavily weathered and abraded into a waterworn pebble state
Formation & Location
Commonly found in marine sedimentary formations such as the Hawthorne Group (USA), Calvert Formation (USA), or equivalent Neogene coastal deposits worldwide
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4 to 6 cm in maximum length, consistent with medium-sized lamniform shark teeth or broken fragments of larger macro-predatory shark species
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
10 to 30 USD
Auction Estimate
15 to 40 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; isolated shark teeth and fragments are abundant in appropriate marine fossil beds globally
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient apex marine predators and paleo-marine trophic structures, though limited by its fragmentary and waterworn condition
Preparation Recommendations
No invasive preparation required; cleaning with mild water and a soft brush is sufficient. Store in stable ambient humidity
Notable Features
Heavily waterworn pebble morphology indicating significant post-mortem transport in high-energy marine or riverine environments before discovery