Where do our Megalodon teeth come from?
Megalodon was a massive prehistoric shark that lived during the Mioece epoch (23 to 9 million years ago) and measured up to an estimated 67 feet long. More impressive than its size, however, was its range—Megalodon fossil have been found on every continent except Antarctica today!
While their teeth are found globally, Fossil Hoard's Megalodon teeth come from the southeastern United States.
Image source: wikimedia.org
How we get our teeth:
The Megalodon tooth fossils we stock come directly from the source—divers who search along the riverbeds and shorelines of the American southeast, particularly in states like Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Our main diver searches the bottom of "dark water" rivers, named as such due to high levels of sediment that makes the water very murky. Though visibility can be so poor that one must search for fossils by touch instead of sight, diving in environments like these can yield incredibly unique specimens.
Why are Megalodon teeth such common finds?
A Megalodon tooth next to modern Great White teeth. (Source: wikimedia.org)
Sharks are known for dropping thousands of teeth throughout their lives, and Megalodon was no exception. Their teeth were replaced often in order to keep them sharp for hunting prey. After each bite, the teeth were put under incredible force—many broke or experienced damage as a result.
A Megalodon tooth next to modern Great White teeth. (Source: wikimedia.org)
Additionally, their teeth naturally fossilized well due to their density. This, combined with the sheer amount dropped by Megalodons, makes them very common finds today.
Still, complete Megalodon tooth fossils are uncommon—as are larger teeth that approach 6 inches in length. Smaller, fragmented teeth make up the bulk of Megalodon fossils, so prices tend to increase depending on the size and completeness of the tooth.
Click here to check out the Megalodon fossils we currently have on offer!
Where do fossils come from?
Fossils can be found just about everywhere! So why do some places have dinosaurs, while others don't?
Fossils are found in what are known as geological outcrops. These outcrops are dated to specific geological times using a variety of dating methods.
Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, so some outcrops yield much younger fossils like those from the ice age, while others yield older fossils like those from the time of dinosaurs.
To find fossils, paleontologists study maps and take record of high yielding areas. When paleontologists find good spots to look for fossils they create dig sites and quarries where they systematically look for fossils.
When paleontologists want to study specific animals, they look for outcrops dated to times they’re interested in learning about. Laws for fossil collection vary widely across states and across country borders, so before fossil hunting on your own make sure to brush up on the local laws and regulations!
How does something become fossilized?
Fossilization occurs in a variety of ways, but usually fossils are formed when an animal or plant dies and is buried in sediment.
So, what are fossils?
Fossils are any trace of past life, they can include plant impressions, teeth, bones, fossilized skin, trackways, or any trace of a prehistoric organism.
Fossilization occurs when certain external conditions are met to produce the best resulting fossils. It should be noted that soft tissue like skin and cartilage do not typically fossilize very well. In exceptional cases fossilized skin impressions happen, but it's pretty rare.
For organic material to become fossilized it should be buried soon after death. This means marine animals and animals that lived near the shores or rivers preserve much better than animals that lived in dry desert environments. Which explains why some of the most common fossils are shelled invertebrates like ammonites, corals, and clams.
Millions of years ago when animals such as these sank to the bottom of a prehistoric ocean or a lake, they were quickly buried under sediment. Over millions of years the original minerals that made up the shells would be replaced by minerals in the surrounding rock, turning the fossil itself into a cast of the original organic material.
These changes explain why fossil bones are heavier and have different colors than modern bones!