Finding a shark tooth offers a unique connection to ancient marine life. Many enthusiasts and beachcombers seek these relics, but distinguishing genuine specimens from imitations or other natural objects can be challenging. This guide helps you confidently identify real shark teeth.
Key Features of Real Shark Teeth
Real fossilized shark teeth possess distinct anatomical characteristics. The crown, the visible, pointed part of the tooth, is typically covered in a hard, smooth enameloid. This enameloid layer is durable, often preserving intricate details like serrations along the blade-like edges, which vary depending on the shark species. The crown’s shape can range from a broad triangle to a slender, curved blade, reflecting the ancient shark’s diet and jaw position.
Below the crown lies the root, which anchored the tooth within the shark’s jaw. Fossilized roots often appear duller and more porous than the crown, and they commonly feature two distinct lobes. The root often features a nutrient groove or foramen, a small opening or channel that once supplied blood vessels and nerves. The presence and morphology of these root structures are strong indicators of authenticity.
Fossilized shark teeth vary in color, from deep blacks and grays to browns, tans, and even bluish hues. These colors result from mineral absorption from surrounding sediment during fossilization. A uniformly bright or unnatural color, or one that seems painted on, can suggest a fabricated specimen. Natural teeth also exhibit some asymmetry or minor imperfections, reflecting their organic formation and fossilization.
Common Fakes and Look-Alikes
Modern shark teeth, if recently lost, are composed of dentin and enamel and typically appear white or off-white. They may retain some organic material, which can even produce a faint odor, contrasting sharply with the mineralized, odorless nature of fossilized teeth. Fossilized teeth have undergone complete mineral replacement, resulting in their characteristic darker colors and stony feel.
Other animal remains can be mistaken for shark teeth due to similar shapes or sizes. Fragments of fish teeth, ray dental plates, or small bone shards can mimic a tooth’s general appearance. However, these often lack the distinct enameloid crown and bilobed root structure characteristic of a shark tooth. Careful examination of these anatomical features helps differentiate them from true shark fossils.
Man-made fakes are crafted from materials like resin, plastic, or carved stone. These artificial teeth often exhibit unnatural perfection, with overly uniform color and texture, or a lack of natural wear. Close inspection might reveal mold lines, tool marks, or a general artificial feel absent in genuine fossilized specimens. Such fakes are designed to replicate the appearance without the inherent geological characteristics.
Naturally occurring rocks or shell fragments can resemble a shark tooth in outline. However, these natural imposters lack the defined anatomical features of a tooth, such as a distinct crown-root boundary, a nutrient groove, or the characteristic enameloid surface. Their composition and internal structure also differ significantly from a true fossil.
Simple Authenticity Checks
Several practical methods can help determine the authenticity of a shark tooth. Real fossilized teeth are dense due to mineral replacement during fossilization. They feel heavier than expected for their size, unlike lightweight plastic or resin fakes. Holding the specimen and assessing its weight provides an initial indication of its composition.
The texture and feel of a tooth offer additional clues. The crown of a real fossilized shark tooth should feel smooth and hard, almost glassy, due to the preserved enameloid. In contrast, the root often feels rougher and more porous. Fakes, whether plastic or carved stone, might feel uniformly smooth or have a noticeably different texture that does not transition naturally between the crown and root.
A scratch test can be indicative, though it should be performed with care to avoid damage. The enameloid on a real tooth is hard and will not easily scratch with a fingernail or a copper coin. If the surface scratches easily or leaves a powdery residue, it is likely a fake made from a softer material. Always apply minimal pressure when attempting this test.
Examining the tooth for natural imperfections is another useful step. Genuine fossilized teeth often exhibit slight chips, minor cracks, or uneven wear patterns from their time in the ocean and subsequent fossilization. These natural blemishes are difficult to replicate in fakes, which frequently appear too perfect or symmetrical. The presence of such imperfections can be a strong sign of authenticity.