Shark Teeth Fossils
Sharks are intriguing and frightening creatures of the sea. From the tiny nurse sharks to the gigantic prehistoric megalodon that lived well over a million years ago, these predators and their teeth mesmerize people around the world. Those intrigued by the aquatic world may find it interesting to learn about and collect fossil shark teeth.
What shark teeth are available?Teeth from many well-known shark species are available for those who wish to acquire them. The iconic great white is one such species that attracts many collector. Teeth from the incredibly fast Mako shark and the highly-aggressive Bull and Tiger sharks are available as well. Some may find it interesting to be able to acquire a megalodon tooth.
Are there teeth available from extinct shark species?Now extinct, megalodon was a shark that lived during the age of the dinosaur. The megalodon was a gigantic animal capable of growing to a size of about 60 feet in length. A megalodon tooth specimen could be more than 100,000 years old. Fossils from this shark are available, and they intrigue many collectors.
Are shark teeth made of bone?No. The tooth of the sea creature is made of dentin. Dentin makes for a stronger tooth than bone. The species does need strong biting tools since a weak tooth would not be effective when eating larger and tougher prey. Even megalodon needed sharp teeth.
What color are shark teeth?Contrary to what some may see in paintings, the tooth of a shark is not white. Rather, the color would be gray, black, or even brown. Those in a fossil shark, however, maintain a somewhat standard color due to the absorption of minerals when they fossilize. The fossil version of the tooth would be different. When the tooth goes through a process to fossilize it, the color turns black or dark grey. The very old teeth of a giant megalodon shark likely would be black. Fossil finds may be tan or brown at times.
What can you do with a tooth from a shark?Mako, tiger, thresher, and megalodon teeth look nice as displays on the wall of a shark enthusiast. An original hammerhead or megalodon tooth might look much better than a replica as nothing compares to the original fossil. Hanging a blue shark or megalodon tooth on the wall of a den, entertainment room, or near an aquatic display might liven things up decoratively.