Shark Teeth

Sharks have existed for hundreds of millions of years making them one of the oldest lineages of animals on earth that even predate trees! Shark skeletons are primarily made of cartilage which decomposes very easily, Their teeth however do! This is because shark teeth are made of dentin, a hard bone like material primarily composed of calcium carbonate. So its able to stay around long enough to become a fossil

These teeth are found under ancient sea beds in which sand, mud and clay accumulate layers over time until the pressure forms them into sedimentary rock trapping and preserving the teeth where we find Megalodon, Otodus and various other species. During this time a process called permineralization occurs in which dissolved minerals seep into those layers replacing the tooth over time making a fossilized replica of what once existed. Minerals like silica and calcite tend to make white and tan teeth, phosphates tend to make black teeth and iron oxides tend to make red or brown teeth

Their ancient lineage and notoriety a a predator makes them highly sought after relics of time teaching us about their evolutionary history and how they survived this long!

Hardness: 3.5 – 7
Composition: SiO₂ or CaCO₃ or Fe₂O₃ or FeO(OH)