Megalodon teeth are quite rare today as the megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon) has been extinct for nearly 2 million years. Fossilized megalodon teeth have been found all around the world but, due to their age and environment many have eroded away.
Over time fewer and fewer megalodon teeth can be found. The rarity of these teeth is why they are so highly sought after. They are trumped by dinosaur fossils as the megalodon is a relatively recent extinct species.
Generally, only professional fossil collectors and universities have the resources to find these fossils. But if you look hard enough and in the right places, it is possible to find a megalodon tooth.
Are megalodon teeth rare to find?
Yes, megalodon teeth are quite rare to find because the species of shark is believed to have become extinct around 2. 6 million years ago. As a result, megalodon teeth are only found in fossil form and there are relatively few sites around the world that contain fossilized remains of this giant creature.
Finding megalodon teeth is the result of a combination of luck and skill, as they tend to be scattered around the ocean floor and in unlikely places. Therefore, it is quite a rare occurrence to find a megalodon tooth.
Where are megalodon teeth mostly found?
Megalodon teeth can mostly be found in marine sediments, especially along the coastal regions of the world. Megalodon was a large and ancient species of shark that was estimated to grow to lengths of up to 60 feet and existed during the Miocene and Pliocene Epochs.
Due to their process of natural predation, Megalodon shed their teeth, which were then fossilized and buried in shallow-water marine sediment, where they remain today. Megalodon teeth can be found from the coastal regions of many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Japan, India, and Australia.
These teeth are usually discovered by beachcombers or obtained as souvenirs when scuba diving or snorkeling in these areas. Megalodon teeth are typically large and triangular in shape, featuring serrated edges and bulbous roots.
They vary in size and can range from just a few centimeters to 10 cm or more in length. Collecting Megalodon teeth is a popular activity among fossil hunters, and they are often sold as collector’s items.
What is the rarest shark tooth to find?
The rarest shark tooth to find is from the giant megalodon shark. This extinct species is known from fossilized teeth, vertebrae, and other remains that have been found globally. The teeth of the megalodon are the largest shark teeth ever found, measuring up to 7 inches in slant height.
These teeth can be identified by their size and their triangular shape. The megalodon became extinct about 2. 6 million years ago so a tooth from this species is quite rare. The rarity of megalodon teeth means it can be valuable, with fossilized teeth from this shark often being sold as collector’s items or as investments.
In addition to the megalodon, certain species of rare and endangered sharks may also have teeth that are hard to come by and can be valuable.
Are shark teeth worth any money?
Yes, shark teeth are worth money and are actually quite valuable. In some cases, even a single tooth can be worth several hundred dollars or more. The size, condition, rarity, and type of shark species all affect the value of each tooth.
Collectors and fossil hunters are often willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for that perfect tooth. In some cases, especially when rare teeth are involved, the worth can range into the tens of thousands.
One of the oldest and most common types of shark teeth that can be found are derived from the Otodus obliquus, which lived between 60 and 105 million years ago. These teeth usually sell for anywhere in the range of $2 to $10.
However, some extremely rare and well preserved Otodus teeth can sell for up to $400 or more. Some of the more rare shark teeth come from the Carcharocles megalodon, an extinct species believed to have gone extinct around 1.
6 million years ago. High quality teeth from this species can sell for thousands of dollars, with some even reaching into the tens of thousands.
When was the last megalodon tooth found?
The last megalodon tooth found was in April 2019. It was found off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, near the historic Kingston Plantation Resort. The prehistoric tooth belonged to a megalodon, an extinct species of large, predatory sharks that lived some 23 million to 3.
6 million years ago. It weighed about 2 1/2 pounds and was 4 inches wide by 10 inches long. This discovery was incredible for local and international scientists as this was the first megalodon tooth ever found in the Myrtle Beach area.
It likely belonged to a adult megalodon as the size and shape were indicative of an adult tooth.
How many megalodon teeth are found each year?
The exact number of megalodon teeth found each year is difficult to estimate, as the majority are found by private collectors. However, researchers estimate that between 25,000 and 100,000 teeth are discovered annually.
Megalodon teeth can be discovered in bodies of water, on beaches, and within sedimentary rocks. Though it may seem unlikely that teeth from a species that went extinct around 2. 6 million years ago can still be uncovered, megalodon teeth are incredibly durable due to their hard enamel structure and can remain embedded in sediment for thousands of years.
To this day, megalodon teeth are one of the most commonly discovered fossils, and provide valuable insight into the evolution of ancient super-predators and shark biodiversity.