Carcharodon sp Fossil Shark Tooth | Authentic Specimen
Authentic Carcharodon fossil shark teeth: genuine relics of the Miocene seas, formed around 16 million years ago in the warm waters that once covered what is now South Carolina in the USA. Carcharodon is the group of sharks that includes the modern great white, so this tooth carries a direct link to one of the ocean's most powerful predators and to the deep history of marine life. It is a real fossil specimen, not a replica, which makes it a rare collector piece for lovers of palaeontology, earth and ocean sciences and sharks.
Partially incomplete, each has natural wear to their edges and fossilised enamel layer from millions of years in ancient sediment and the slow work of the fossilisation process. Far from a flaw, this is the honest signature of a genuine fossil, and every specimen carries its own shape, colour and surface detail, so the piece you receive is one of a kind.
Sharks have patrolled the oceans for more than 400 million years, shedding and replacing thousands of teeth across a single lifetime. Holding one connects you to that ancient story and to the living seas we work to understand and protect today.
For close to 200 years the Australian Museum has been guided by curiosity, scientific rigour and a duty of care to the natural world. Every specimen we offer is chosen in that same spirit, sourced responsibly and backed by the reputation of Australia's first museum. When you buy from the Australian Museum shop you are buying from a trusted source, and your purchase helps fund the science, education and conservation work at the heart of our mission.
A fossil of this kind makes a meaningful gift for a significant occasion, a considered addition to a serious collection or a quiet talking point for anyone drawn to the sea.
Dimensions:
'Midnight' specimen is dark in colour, with some visible mineral impurities on the specimen. 100x90x30mm, 250g
'Natural' is earth coloured in tone, with a clear colour striation. 145x55x30mm, 210g
'Unblemished' in the most complete in form, colour and texture. 110x80x20mm, 140g
Delivery costs are calculated at checkout and include the total weight of items within an order.
Orders are posted Mon - Weds. Standard post to Australian addresses will arrive within 5 - 7 working days from dispatch date.
For international delivery, please allow an additional 14 days
We hope you are happy with your purchase(s). But if not, we will exchange or issue a refund provided that the goods are returned in saleable condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does partially incomplete mean? It means the tooth shows natural wear or a small area of loss to the edge or root, from its long history in the seabed. This is common and expected in genuine fossils, and it is part of the authentic character of the specimen rather than a defect.
How old is it and where does it come from? The tooth dates to the Miocene, approximately 16 million years old, and comes from South Carolina in the USA. During this period the region lay beneath warm seas rich with sharks and other marine life.
Is this a good gift for a significant occasion? Yes. A 16 million year old shark tooth is a lasting and memorable gift for milestone birthdays, graduations, retirements or anyone who loves sharks, the ocean or earth sciences. It comes with the assurance of the Australian Museum name.
Can I buy with confidence from the Australian Museum shop? Absolutely. Specimens are sourced responsibly through reputable suppliers and stand behind the reputation of Australia's first museum. Your purchase also supports our scientific research, education and conservation programs. For questions about a specific specimen, our shop team is happy to help before you order.
