Megalodon Identification Appraisal

Fossilized Megalodon Tooth

This is a fossilized tooth from an Otodus megalodon, an extinct species of giant shark that lived approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago. The specimen is presented in a rectangular display box with white protective padding. The tooth exhibits the classic triangular morphology characteristic of the species, featuring a broad, robust root and a well-defined crown. The bourlette, the chevron-shaped area between the root and the crown, is clearly visible and possesses a lighter, cream-colored tone. The enamel on the crown displays a deep slate-gray to charcoal coloration with vertical striations, indicating mineral replacement during fossilization. Notably, the serrated edges along the blade appear relatively sharp and well-preserved, though there is some minor chipping visible toward the distal end and significant erosion or 'feeding wear' on the tip. The wide, beige root shows a porous, textured surface typical of fossilized bone/dentin material, with minor hairline fractures and weathering consistent with age and subterranean pressure. Based on the scale relative to standard gift boxes, the tooth appears to be of moderate size, likely between 3 and 4 inches in slant length. While not a 'gem' grade specimen due to the blunt tip and root weathering, the preservation of the serrations and the integrity of the enamel bolster its quality as a collectible paleontological specimen.