Fossil Shark Teeth FAQ: History, Age, Formation & Jewelry Care
Fossil shark teeth are fascinating pieces of natural history. Long before they became jewelry, these teeth belonged to sharks that lived in ancient oceans millions of years ago. Today, fossilized shark teeth give us a glimpse into the prehistoric past and make wonderfully unusual jewelry.
At BeJeweled, we love using natural fossil shark teeth in jewelry because every tooth has its own shape, color, texture, and history.
What is a fossil shark tooth?
A fossil shark tooth is the preserved tooth of a prehistoric shark. Sharks have been living in Earth's oceans for hundreds of millions of years, and their teeth are among the most commonly preserved parts of their bodies.
Unlike humans, sharks continually lose and replace their teeth throughout their lives. A shark can shed thousands of teeth over its lifetime, creating many opportunities for individual teeth to become buried and preserved as fossils.
How does a shark tooth become a fossil?
When a shark loses a tooth, it may sink to the seafloor. If the tooth is quickly buried by sediment, such as sand or mud, it can be protected from weathering and decay.
Over time, mineral-rich water moves through the surrounding sediment. Minerals can enter the pores and spaces within the tooth in a process called permineralization. Over thousands of years and longer periods of geological change, the tooth becomes fossilized.
Fossilization doesn't necessarily mean that every original atom in the tooth is replaced. Fossil shark teeth can retain some of their original mineral structure while also undergoing chemical and mineral changes during fossilization.
How old are fossil shark teeth?
The age of a fossil shark tooth depends on where it was found and the age of the geological deposits surrounding it.
Some fossil shark teeth are millions of years old. For example, fossil shark teeth found in certain areas of Florida are commonly around 9–10 million years old, with some specimens dating considerably older.
The shark fossil record itself extends back hundreds of millions of years. Scientists have found shark scales dating back approximately 420 million years and teeth from around 400 million years ago.
Unless the exact origin and geological age of a particular fossil are documented, it is best not to assign a specific age to an individual tooth.
Why are fossil shark teeth different colors?
Fossil shark teeth can be found in a remarkable range of colors, including black, gray, blue-gray, brown, orange, red, green, and white.
The color often comes from minerals present in the surrounding sediment during fossilization. As mineral-rich water moves through the sediment and the tooth, different minerals can become incorporated into the fossil, creating different colors.
This means that the color of a fossil shark tooth can tell us something about the geological environment in which it was preserved.
Why are shark teeth so commonly fossilized?
Shark teeth are particularly well represented in the fossil record because sharks continually shed their teeth and replace them with new ones.
Their teeth are also much more durable than most of the shark's body. Sharks have skeletons made primarily of cartilage, which does not fossilize as readily as bone. Teeth, however, are highly mineralized and are much more likely to survive long enough to become fossils.
As a result, fossil shark teeth are often the primary evidence paleontologists have for studying ancient sharks.
Can you tell what kind of shark a fossil tooth came from?
Sometimes.
The shape, size, edges, root, and other characteristics of a fossil tooth can help scientists identify the type of shark that produced it. Shark teeth evolved in different shapes depending partly on the species and its diet.
However, identifying a fossil shark tooth to a particular species can require specialized knowledge and comparison with documented fossil specimens. A tooth's appearance alone isn't always enough to make a precise identification.
Are all fossil shark teeth from giant sharks?
No.
Sharks come in many different sizes and species, and fossil teeth can come from many different types of sharks. Some fossil teeth are quite small, while others can be several inches long.
Megalodon teeth are particularly famous because of their enormous size, but not every large or dark fossil shark tooth is a megalodon tooth.
Are megalodon teeth fossils?
Yes. Megalodon teeth are among the best-known fossil shark teeth.
Megalodon was a gigantic prehistoric shark, and its enormous teeth are among the primary fossil evidence scientists have for the species. Fossilized megalodon teeth have been found in many parts of the world.
Because megalodon teeth are highly recognizable and collectible, they are also popular in jewelry and natural-history collections.
Why don't we find complete fossil shark skeletons as often?
Sharks have skeletons made primarily of cartilage rather than the hard bones found in many other vertebrates.
Cartilage generally breaks down more readily and does not fossilize as easily as mineralized bone. As a result, shark teeth are far more common in the fossil record than complete shark skeletons. In rare circumstances, portions of shark cartilage and vertebrae can also be preserved.
This is one reason a single shark tooth can be such an important piece of evidence for understanding ancient sharks.
What can a fossil shark tooth tell us?
A fossil tooth can provide clues about the shark that once possessed it, including its approximate type and feeding adaptations.
The shape of shark teeth varies among species. Some are designed for grasping prey, while others are adapted for cutting or crushing. Scientists can compare fossil teeth with teeth from known shark species to learn more about ancient shark communities.
Fossil teeth can also tell scientists about ancient environments and the animals that lived in prehistoric oceans.
Where are fossil shark teeth found?
Fossil shark teeth can be found in marine sediments around the world.
They are often discovered in sedimentary deposits such as ancient ocean floors, coastal formations, riverbeds, and exposed sediment layers. In places where erosion has exposed older sediments, fossil teeth can sometimes be found near the surface.
Florida, for example, is well known for fossil shark teeth, and they can be found in various locations throughout the state.
Are fossil shark teeth still real shark teeth?
Yes.
A fossil shark tooth is a real biological structure originally produced by a shark. During fossilization, the tooth undergoes physical and chemical changes, including the incorporation or replacement of minerals.
So while a fossil tooth may no longer have exactly the same composition it had when the shark was alive, it began as a genuine shark tooth.
Are fossil shark teeth good for jewelry?
Yes, provided the fossil is properly prepared and set.
Fossil shark teeth have naturally interesting shapes and colors, making them especially appealing for unique jewelry designs. They can be set individually in pendants, rings, and earrings or combined into larger pieces such as bracelets and necklaces.
Because every fossil tooth is naturally different, jewelry made with fossil shark teeth has an individual character that cannot be perfectly replicated.
How should I care for fossil shark tooth jewelry?
Fossil shark teeth are durable enough for jewelry, but they should still be treated with care.
Avoid dropping the jewelry or exposing the fossil to unnecessary impact. When cleaning, use a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry the piece afterward.
If the jewelry also contains sterling silver or other gemstones, take the care requirements of those materials into consideration as well.
Can I use jewelry cleaner on fossil shark teeth?
It is best to avoid harsh commercial jewelry cleaners unless you know they are safe for the specific fossil and other materials in the piece.
For most fossil shark tooth jewelry, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is a safer approach. Avoid abrasive cleaners and aggressive polishing directly on the fossil.
How should I store fossil shark tooth jewelry?
Store fossil shark tooth jewelry in a soft jewelry pouch or lined jewelry box when you are not wearing it.
If your piece contains multiple fossils or gemstones, storing it separately from harder jewelry can help prevent scratches or accidental damage.
Do fossil shark teeth have special meaning?
Fossil shark teeth can have a special meaning simply because they represent a connection to Earth's ancient past.
For many people, they are reminders of the ocean, prehistoric life, discovery, and the incredible length of geological time. Shark teeth have also been collected and used by humans for centuries in different cultures.
Any symbolic meaning attached to a fossil shark tooth is personal rather than a scientifically established property.
What makes fossil shark tooth jewelry unique?
Every fossil shark tooth has its own story.
The tooth began as part of a living shark, was shed into an ancient ocean, became buried in sediment, underwent geological changes over an immense period of time, and was eventually discovered and transformed into jewelry.
The result is more than a decorative gemstone. It is a small piece of natural history that connects the wearer with a world that existed millions of years ago.
Fossil Shark Tooth Jewelry Care at a Glance
To keep your fossil shark tooth jewelry looking beautiful:
- Handle fossil teeth with care and avoid hard impacts.
- Clean gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
- Do not use aggressive polishing products directly on the fossil.
- Store separately from harder jewelry when possible.
- Keep the piece in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box.
- Follow any additional care instructions for the metal or gemstones used in the piece.
A Piece of Prehistoric History
Fossil shark teeth offer a fascinating connection to Earth's ancient oceans. Sharks have survived and evolved for hundreds of millions of years, and their teeth are among the most enduring clues they have left behind.
Whether you are drawn to fossil shark teeth because of their natural beauty, their history, or simply the fact that you are wearing something millions of years old, each fossil has a story written into its shape, color, and texture.
At BeJeweled, we love incorporating these remarkable fossils into jewelry that lets you carry a little piece of prehistoric history with you.