.
Megalodon teeth have been found in many different locations around the globe. Teeth have been found in states such as California, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. Megalodon teeth have also been found in other countries across the globe Ex: Mexico, Cuba, Chile, New Caledonia, Peru, Panama, Australia, England, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Madagascar, and Indonesia. Their teeth can be found in phosphate mines on the beach, diving in rivers, and the ocean. Divers and fossil hunters have found their fossilized teeth as big as 7 3/8 inches.
One shark loses an average of 20,000 teeth in their lifetime. Some species lose up to 50,000 teeth in their lifetime. It only takes on average 7-10 days for the second row of teeth to move up to the first row. In 7 to 10 days later the first row of teeth end up on the bottom of the ocean where they land in a sediment and become fossilized. If you take 1 shark with 20,000 teeth times millions of sharks, times millions of years there is a number that your calculator would not be able to handle all of the zeros. The reason sharks have so many teeth is that don’t have hands to eat around the bone like we do. They bite right into the bone or even right through the bone. This causes damage to the teeth breaking them or dislodging them from the jaw. If they didn’t have replacements they would starve.
You can estimate the size of the Megalodon tooth if you have a primary tooth ( one of the top teeth in the jaw which is for the most part symmetrical) It is about 1/8 of an inch for every foot. So to determine the size of a shark with a 7-inch tooth: There are eight 1/8’s of an inch in an inch. 8 X 7″ inches is 56 ft
The Original color of these fossil shark teeth is gray from the Hawthorne Formation (ex: Megalodon shark Tooth on the far left). The Hawthorne Formation is generally light to dark-gray clay which was around in the Miocene /Pliocene Epoch approximately 2.5 to 5 million years ago. The Hawthorne Formation had excellent preservation conditions for fossilization
Above I have examples of 5 shark teeth that I found diving at the same location. This location was in brackish water. Brackish water is water occurring naturally that is being exchanged with more salinity than fresh water but not as much as seawater.
The three Megalodon shark teeth in the middle were teeth that were just coming out of the riverbank. These teeth were exposed to Tannin. As you can see these teeth have multiple colors. Tannin comes from decayed vegetation from plants, leaves, and bark. If you have ever seen a river that has a tea color this is a concentrated Tannin. Tannin eventually stains the tooth a varying brown to an orange or red color. The last tooth to the far right has been totally exposed to tannin as it is all red on both sides. How fast these teeth change color depends on the amount of tannin. Generally speaking, these teeth can change color from 3 months to a couple of years.
Gray: Is from being mineralized in the Hawthorne formation which is a gray clay.
Tan: Is from being mineralized in Sand
Red: Usually from the early onset of Tannin
If you have ever seen freshwater rivers that have tea-colored water this is usually caused by Tannin. Tannin is decayed leaves and bark. As the leaves decay in freshwater pockets on the bottom of these rivers the water becomes acidic, and the leaves deteriorate and leave an iron residue on the tooth.
Brown: Brown teeth are usually from being in Tannin and tree leaves too long. Iron deposits build up from leaf decay trapped in pockets along the bottom. The iron starts building up on the teeth. Sometimes the iron coating can get very thick and is not removable as the iron has bonded to the tooth.
White: White color teeth are usually from being replaced by calcium carbonate sediment (broken down seashells) A Great example of white color teeth is found in Summerville SC teeth. White teeth can also be caused by too much acid in Tannin (acidic burning). This would be in areas where the tooth is exposed on a flat bottom where the leaves don’t have a chance to accumulate. Such as tidal areas that remove the leaves stopping the accumulation of iron deposits.
Orange: Orange is found in iron in sandy-type sediment. Georgia red clay is a great example. You can also find iron-rich sand offshore in North Carolina.
Black: Black teeth are usually caused by anaerobic bacteria or black mud.
There are many other colors teeth come in: yellow, green, off-white, etc
Teeth have the ability to take on many other colors from the minerals they come in contact with.
The Factors In Grading Shark Teeth Are:
Size -Shark teeth are measured from the tip to the longest root side. Generally speaking the larger the tooth the higher the price depending on the quality
Quality – Determined by how complete the tooth is. The more chips, missing corners, or missing tips the less the value.
Locality
Rarity
Color
Pathologic shark teeth are developmental abnormalities that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and disease. They are relatively common in the fossil record and can be found in sharks of all ages and species.
Some of the most common types of pathologic shark teeth include:
Compressed or dwarfed crowns: These teeth are smaller and narrower than normal teeth and may be crowded together in the jaw.
Split crowns: These teeth have a crown that is divided into two or more sections.
Twisted crowns: These teeth have a crown that is twisted or deformed.
Fused teeth: These teeth are two or more teeth that have fused together.
Missing cusps: These teeth have one or more cusps that are missing or underdeveloped.
Pathologic shark teeth can provide scientists with valuable insights into the health and well-being of ancient sharks. For example, a tooth with a compressed crown may indicate that the shark was malnourished, while a tooth with a fused crown may indicate that the shark had survived an injury.
In addition to their scientific value, pathologic shark teeth are also popular among collectors. Their unusual and bizarre appearance makes them highly sought-after specimens.
Here are some examples of pathologic shark teeth:
Hubbell teeth: These are heart-shaped teeth from juvenile Carcharocles megalodon sharks. They are thought to have been caused by nutritional deficiency.
Fish hook teeth: These teeth have a curved root that resembles a fish hook. They are thought to have been caused by an injury to the developing tooth.
Split tip teeth: These teeth have a crown that is divided into two at the tip. They are thought to have been caused by a genetic mutation.
Trident teeth: These teeth have three cusps instead of the usual one or two. They are thought to have been caused by a genetic mutation.
Pathologic shark teeth are a fascinating reminder of the diversity and resilience of nature. Even with their abnormalities, these sharks were able to survive and thrive in their environment.
In the above megalodon shark tooth photo, you can see barnacles that have attached themselves to the shark’s teeth. These little guys are the primary factor that destroys the enamel on shark teeth.
These barnacles love to fasten themselves to hard structures. You will see them attached to pylons, and boats, on the river and ocean floors.
Barnacles feed through feather-like appendages called cirri. The cirri rapidly extend and retract through the opening at the top of the barnacle to comb for microscopic organisms.
There are over 10 different species found in SC. They can start noticeably growing,In as little as 3 days. These barnacles grow in the shape of a volcano. These volcano-shaped organisms grow on the edge of the enamel. As they start growing the base of the barnacle expands under the enamel lifting it upwards. As it lifts the enamel new barnacles start growing under the lifted enamel.
The black squiggly lines you see on the Fossil Megalodon shark tooth above are created by a serpulid marine worm. The serpulid tube worm attaches itself to the surface of a megalodon tooth. All serpulids build hard tubes of Crystalline calcium carbonate and mucopolysaccharide matrix using glands located on the collar. These tube worms will die off when covered with sediment leaving only the tube-like structure attached to the tooth. When the tube worm on the shark tooth is covered by sediment it will die. The sediment creates a low-oxygenated environment for Anaerobic bacteria to thrive. They will start digesting the mucopolysaccharide matrix. The anaerobic bacteria creates a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen sulfide which leaves a black stain. The black stain on the shark tooth is exactly where the tube worm was. This same black stain can be seen with oysters and encrusted bryozoans that attach themselves to Megalodon teeth. Usually, it’s more of a black spot.
Here are the Factors that determine a shark tooth value
Size and Condition are the first consideration
Size is an important factor in determining the value of a shark tooth. The Majority of teeth are measured from the tip to the longest of the 2 root sides.
Generally speaking the larger the tooth Measurement the larger the shark. Some species get larger than others. Adult Megalodon teeth get up to the 7″ inch range . Whereas Adult Giant thresher teeth get up to 2″. A two-inch Thresher is worth more than a 4″ megalodon because of its rarity in size.
Here is a general guide on where teeth explode in price. I will not put an exact price as there are other variables that can affect the price such as Locality, the current economy, media events such as the Meg Movie, Shark Week, Christmas, 2 or more serious Collectors fighting to control the market on certain species
These size ranges are based on hardcore divers who dive for a living
Megalodon Teeth
The average size is 3.5-4.5″‘
Less common 5″
Rare is 6″
Very rare 6.5″
extremely rare 6.75″
Once in a lifetime 7″ plus
Great white shark teeth
The average size is 2″ to 2 1/4″
Less common 2 1/4″
Rare is 2 1/2″ Rare
Extremely rare 2 3/4″
Once in a lifetime 3″ plus
Angustiden
The average size is 2
Less common 2 1/2″
Rare is 3″ Rare
Very rare 3 1/2″
Extremely rare 4″
Once in a lifetime 5″ plus
Giant Thresher
The average size is 1 1/4″
Less common 1 1/2″
Rare is 1 3/4″ Rare
Once in a lifetime 2″ plus
Benedeni
The average size is 1 1/2″-2″
Less common 2 1/4″
Rare is 2 1/2″ Rare
Once in a lifetime 3 ” plus
CONDITION
Another factor that plays an important role in price is the condition of the tooth.
For every nick, chip missing piece of the specimen, the price goes down.
The reasons for the damage are generally from mother nature but also from infrastructure.
Examples are
Feeding damage to the edge or tip from the shark during a feeding frenzy
They are washed out of the original formation into hostile environments such as sand and current in the ocean and rivers or wind and sand in the desert which are ancient sea beds.
Exposure to Tannin and iron from decayed leaves.
Barnacles grow on the edge of the enamel. Lifting the enamel as its base grows. Which in turn allows smaller barnacles to continue growing under the enamel stripping the tooth.
Erosion from waves, tidal currents tumbling in storm surges.
Sun leaching after exposure on the surface
Tumbling and dredging through excavation.
COLOR
Shark teeth come in an array of different Fun colors and are highly collectible. Some of the colors are very vibrant and can really increase the value of a shark tooth.
The most common colors are Tan and Gray.
Less common Brown Black and Orange
Rarer colors are Red Green and white
LOCATION
Shark teeth are abundant across the world. Sharks have been on our planet for 350 Million years and lose an average of 20,000 teeth in their lifetime.
But certain species were only in certain locations on earth and some species have been around longer than others. As an example, the sand tiger shark has been around for 65 million years has lived in many oceans, and is very common.
Whereas the Planus Mako shark tooth is only found on the west coast of California and was only around for 17 Million years. Another factor for locality teeth is that some of the formations have only resurfaced in small areas and are limited such as Auriculatis teeth from Kazakhstan or Morocco. South Pacific Megalodon teeth are limited by the depths of the ocean. These teeth were dredged from a depth of 500 to 1000 ft and a 3-day boat ride offshore New Caledonia. This was done with a large boat and a crew which is very cost prohibitive. The rarity of these locality shark teeth restricts their availability for collectors and in turn demands a high price.
Shark teeth are polished to add value. When polished, the shine contrast, and color can be very attractive.
We have many collectors who collect Polished Megalodon. Through the decades they have always held their value to a commercial (whole tooth) Megalodon tooth. Most customers who buy Commercial commercial polished or natural teeth are looking for an affordable tooth that’s attractive to the eye. Serious collectors are looking and willing to pay high dollars for perfect unaltered teeth.
Most shark teeth are polished to remove natural imperfections. In the above photo, the 1st row has a tip that is missing. In the 2nd row, these teeth had enamel peel In the 3rd row the teeth had chips from natural wear or feeding damage. Not all teeth that are collected are whole. Some teeth will have peeled enamel, A broken tip, or feeding damage along the edges. People ask if polished teeth are natural.
The answer is yes, the tooth is all natural as there are no added parts. The polishing work is not natural and is done by a lapidary machine. The shark tooth is basically sanded down below the enamel.
When polishing shark teeth you use a lapidary machine. A lapidary machine usually has carbide or diamond-embedded wheels with a constant feed of water. These wheels come in different grits like sandpaper that you find at a hardware store. As the shark tooth passes through each grit the tooth begins to shine. You will also occasionally find that there are natural vibrant colors under the enamel or a beautiful contrast between the root and the polished surface. This process is very expensive and time-consuming to learn properly. If using Diamond wheels it can cost over $200 per wheel and they do wear out fast if you don’t have the experience
You may have seen shark teeth with holes in them or orange spots. These orange spots are created from various marine life that secrete a substance that is acidic and dissolves the calcium of the shark tooth enamel. Photo above
The deep holes that you see can be caused by various Marine life
Moon snails (Naticidae): Moon snails are found in all oceans and seas, and they prey on a variety of bivalves, including clams and mussels. Moon snails use their sharp radulae to drill holes in the shells of their prey, and then they inject digestive enzymes into the holes. The enzymes dissolve the soft tissues of the prey, and the moon snail then consumes the liquefied tissues.
Boring clams: Are found in all oceans, seas, lakes, and Rivers. They use a variety of methods to bore into different materials. Some boring clams use their strong shells to grind into material. While others use their foot to secrete a substance that dissolves material.
Harp snails (Harpidae): Harp snails are found in tropical and subtropical oceans. They prey on a variety of invertebrates, including mollusks, crustaceans, and worms. Harp snails use their long, slender snouts to probe the substrate for prey. Once they find prey, they use their radulae to rasp away at the flesh.
Whelks (Buccinidae): Whelks are found in all oceans and seas. They prey on a variety of invertebrates, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Whelks use their strong jaws to crush the shells of their prey, or they use their radulae to drill holes in the shells and then inject digestive enzymes.
Murex snails (Muricidae): Murex snails are found in all oceans and seas. They prey on a variety of invertebrates, including mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Murex snails use their strong jaws to crush the shells of their prey, or they use their radulae to drill holes in the shells and then inject digestive enzymes.
Make sure when you visit Charleston SC you buy one of our most sought-after Nautical Souvenirs. The Carolinas are known for their abundant fossil inshore and offshore. Take home a fossil shark tooth specimen or shark tooth necklace to that special person whether the paleontologist in the family or the person who just has it all! Here are the 2 most recomended stores in the Charleston area:
Patriots Point
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
PHONE: (843) 884-2727
My Native Dreams
Address: 114 Jungle Rd I, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Phone: (843) 631-1030
When talking about shark tooth specimens most people refer to High quality or perfect teeth.
However, all shark teeth have collectability for science, education, affordability, color, location, rarity, etc..
Let’s take a look at the parts of a perfect tooth. The perfect tooth would not have restoration or repair.
Root : The roots will be smooth with no chips. It may have some shallow hydration cracks that are acceptable or not visible at all.
Bourlette : This is the border between the crown and root on the lingual side of the tooth. It is identified by a chevron-shaped feature called the bourlette or dental band. This chevron area has a thin layer of enamel. the perfect tooth would have 100% of this enamel.
Enamel: The enamel will be complete with no peel from the tip to the beginning of the root on the Labial side or from the tip to the bourlette on the Lingual side.
Serrations: Serrations, if this particular species has serrations would be complete with no chips on both the Mesial side and distal side of the tooth.
Common Signs of Feeding Damage:
Snapped tooth: These teeth, often bearing broken tips, are a testament to the immense force exerted during the pursuit of prey. The impact of biting into the bones of whales, dugongs, porpoises, and other marine giants was so forceful that it could fracture these formidable teeth. A snapped tooth is caused from biting into bone with an equal force directly on the tip or shared among multiple teeth. If the bone is impregnable and the teeth are secure the force of the jaw will cause a force in which teeth will fail by snapping. You will find many teeth that have damaged tips.
Sheared teeth: The result of a powerful bite and the sharp, serrated edges of opposing teeth, sheared teeth exhibit a distinctive, incomplete appearance, resembling the work of a pair of scissors. Sheared teeth result from firmly secured opposing teeth with a combination of force and a serrated cutting edge.
Half-Moon Bite Marks: These distinctive marks, shaped like a crescent moon, are caused by the lingual side of an opposing tooth, leaving an unmistakable signature of a powerful bite.
Serration marks: Megalodon teeth, designed for efficient cutting, often bear the marks of contact with other teeth, revealing the intensity of feeding frenzies. Serration marks are usually the cause of opposing teeth grazing each other.
Notched: The presence of notches on both sides of a tooth indicates that it became trapped between other teeth during a feeding frenzy, a testament to the chaotic nature of these feeding events.
By examining these distinctive marks, scientists can reconstruct the feeding habits of Megalodon, shedding light on the ecological role of this apex predator and its impact on ancient marine ecosystems.
NOTE: Not all damage found on Fossil shark teeth are from feeding. The majority of damage found on fossil shark teeth comes from deterioration. It is a well-known fact that once a fossil is uncovered or exposed to the elements it rapidly deteriorates
Fossil shark teeth, particularly those of the mighty Megalodon, offer a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric marine world. While feeding damage is often cited as a primary cause of tooth damage, the reality is more complex. Many factors, including natural deterioration, can contribute to the wear and tear observed on these ancient relics.
Key Factors Contributing to Fossil Shark Tooth Damage:
Natural Deterioration: Exposure to the elements, such as water, wind, and temperature fluctuations, can accelerate the deterioration of fossil teeth.
Redeposition: The process of being redeposited in new sediments can lead to physical damage, including voids and crushing.
Erosion: Strong currents, waves, and wind can erode tooth surfaces and cause significant damage.
Chemical Weathering: Tannins in freshwater can dissolve calcium phosphate, a primary component of tooth enamel.
Biological Factors:
Boring Clams: These mollusks can bore into teeth, creating holes and weakening the structure.
Carnivorous Welks: These predatory snails consume calcium-rich materials, including tooth enamel.
Barnacles: These crustaceans can attach to teeth, leading to the peeling and erosion of enamel.
By understanding the various factors that contribute to fossil shark tooth damage, scientists may better interpret the feeding habits and lifestyles of these ancient predators.