Sharks teeth

The word shark likely comes from the Dutch schurk, meaning villain or predator, reflecting their formidable nature. In the past, people called fossilised sharks teeth glossopetrae (tongue stones) due to their shape, attributing mystical powers to them across various cultures.

Composition and Formation

Over millions of years, minerals such as iron, manganese, and silica replace the calcium phosphate in shark teeth, transforming them into fossils. This mineralisation process preserves the teeth, turning them to stone and producing colours ranging from black and brown to red and grey. Unlike bones, which decay quickly, teeth endure, making them among the most abundant prehistoric remains.

Locations and Distribution

Fossilised shark teeth are found worldwide, often in ancient seabeds that have since turned into limestone deposits. Rich fossil sites include:

• United States – Florida, South Carolina, and California have extensive shark tooth deposits.
• United Kingdom – Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is well known for prehistoric shark fossils.
• Morocco – Fossil-rich desert deposits contain teeth from ancient shark species.
• Australia – Coastal sites provide fossils from ancient sharks that once roamed the waters.
• Japan – Pacific Ocean sites reveal preserved teeth from deep-sea species.

Some of the oldest shark teeth fossils date back over 400 million years, offering a glimpse into the ancient marine ecosystems of Earth.

Physical Characteristics

Fossilised shark teeth vary greatly in size and shape depending on the species:

• Serrated Teeth – Found in great whites and Megalodon, used for slicing prey.
• Needle-like Teeth – Common in sand tiger sharks, ideal for catching fish.
• Flat, Plate-like Teeth – Used by bottom-dwelling species to crush shells.
• Hooked Teeth – Found in deep-sea sharks, helping them grasp elusive prey.
• Multiple Rows – Sharks continuously replace their teeth, leading to vast numbers of fossilised specimens.

Archaeological Finds and Historical Usage

Shark teeth have been unearthed by archaeologists and collected for centuries:

• Medieval Europe – Thought to be serpent tongues or dragon teeth, they were worn as charms against poison.
• Polynesian Cultures – Used for crafting tools, weapons, and jewellery.
• Native American Tribes – Believed to offer protection and strength, sometimes worn as amulets.
• Megalodon Teeth – Highly prized and sought after, with some measuring over 19 cm (7.5 inches) in length.

Today, fossilised shark teeth are valued by palaeontologists for their insight into prehistoric marine life and by collectors for their rarity and beauty.

Interesting Facts

• Sharks can lose and replace over 50,000 teeth in their lifetime.
• Some fossilised shark teeth date back 400 million years.
• The largest Megalodon tooth ever found measures over 19 cm (7.5 inches).
• Fossilised shark teeth contain traces of ancient seawater, preserving chemical clues about prehistoric oceans.
• They are often found in phosphate-rich deposits, a key component of fertilisers today.

Folklore, Legends, and Tales

Throughout history, fossilised shark teeth have been linked to myths and legends:

• Hawaiian Mythology – Shark teeth were seen as symbols of divine protection.
• Medieval Europe – Thought to neutralise poison, leading to their use in royal jewellery.
• Pirate Lore – Sailors carried shark teeth as good luck charms against drowning and sea monsters.
• Australian Aboriginal Legends – Believed to be remnants of ancient sea spirits.

Links with Astrology and the Chakra System

Fossilised shark teeth symbolise resilience, adaptability, and power:

• Astrology: They are associated with Scorpio, representing transformation and hidden strength.
• Chakra System:
  • Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Grounding and stability, reflecting the shark’s survival instincts.
  • Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Linked to intuition and communication, symbolising the shark’s heightened awareness.