Megalodon Tooth
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Mineral NameMegalodon Tooth
Chemical FormulaCa₅(PO₄)₃(OH) (primarily hydroxyapatite, often permineralized)
Mohs Hardness5
Streak Colorwhite to light brown/grey
Cleavagenone (poor basal for apatite, but not observed in fossil)
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.1
Colorsgrey, brown, black
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide marine sedimentary deposits (e.g., North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, USA; Morocco; Australia)
Mineral GroupPhosphates (as a biomineral fossil)
Usescollector's item, scientific study, educational display
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, iron oxides, other marine fossils
Description
A large, triangular fossilized shark tooth, exhibiting a lighter, serrated blade and a darker, robust root, indicative of its ancient marine origin.
Geological Context
Megalodon teeth are found in marine sedimentary layers from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, preserved through permineralization in ancient shallow seas and coastal environments.
