How do you know if a fossilized shark tooth is real?

There are a number of different ways one can determine if a shark tooth is a fossil or if it is modern. Color can be an indicator of age in some situations but not all the time. Modern shark teeth, both the crown and the root, are typically white in color. Fossil teeth are permineralized and are usually darker colored.

How do you tell if a shark tooth is a megalodon tooth?

Size is the prominent indicator that a tooth is a Megalodon, as these giants typically range from 3.5-7 inches long. And as a fossilized tooth it will appear much darker in color than more recent finds.

Are all shark teeth serrated?

All three species studied have primary serrations, although the dentine component differs (orthodentine in Tiger and Blue Sharks; osteodentine in the White Shark). Smaller secondary serrations are found in the Tiger Shark, formed solely by enameloid with no contribution from underlying dentine.

What is a pathological shark tooth?

Tooth deformities are common in sharks, but come in many different varieties. These deformities are often referred to as pathologies; however, that is a somewhat inaccurate description. A pathologic tooth implies that the deformity is a consequence of a disease, even though many deformities are unrelated to disease.

How old are fossilized sharks teeth?

Most fossil shark teeth in local creeks are about 9-10 million years old, and there are a few places where even older specimens are found. Megalodon teeth, like these in our collection, can be found in many areas in Florida.

How much is a megalodon tooth worth?

Prehistoric megalodon shark teeth are found frequently in South Carolina’s rivers, but a unique example believed to be the biggest on record sold for five times the predicted price Thursday at auction. The 6.5 inch serrated tooth was expected to sell for no less than $450, according to LiveActioneers.com.

How can you tell a great white tooth from a megalodon tooth?

Similar FossilsGreat Whites look slightly like megalodon teeth because they are both serrated. However, Great Whites are easy to tell apart. Great white serrations are much mofe coarse than a megalodon. A great white tooth is also very thin, with a thin root, while megalodon teeth look very thick and robust.

What does a bull sharks tooth look like?

The bull shark has smaller, needle like teeth that are made to chew through fish and squid, or even other smaller species of sharks. Many sharks have more than one row of teeth, and the lower teeth are pointed, while the upper rows of teeth are triangular shaped.

How do you identify shark teeth at the beach?

How to identify them: Along the tideline of a beach, keep an eye out for triangular shapes. While newer teeth are still white, black teeth—which are more common finds—have been fossilized over time. Wide bases are attached to thinner triangles of varying sharpness.

What is a Hubbell tooth?

“Hubbell teeth” “Hubbell teeth” are juvenile Carcharocles megalodon teeth from the Bone Valley phosphate of Florida. These heart-shaped teeth, often with root and cusp abnormalities, are sometimes referred to as “Hubbell teeth” after Gordon Hubbell.