Megalodon teeth are the fossilized remains of the extinct giant shark Otodus megalodon, characterized by their massive, triangular shape and often serrated edges. They are commonly found in Miocene and Pliocene sedimentary deposits in coastal areas and river bottoms. Collectors look for complete roots, sharp serrations, and minimal repair or restoration for higher valuation.

Hardness

3-5

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Megalodon Teeth

Also: Megalodon Fossil, Otodus megalodon tooth

Hardness: 3-5
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this megalodon teeth?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch megalodon teeth with a known reference. Megalodon Teeth sits at Mohs 3-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Megalodon Teeth leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Megalodon Teeth typically shows a dull to waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, black, brown, tan, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: serrated triangular blade.

Often found alongside megalodon teeth

Minerals reported to co-occur with megalodon teeth. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3-5
Density: 2.5-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Black Brown Tan White
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Serrated Triangular Blade
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Educational, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Marine Deposits
Typical price: $20-200 small fragments, $500-5000+ for large museum-grade specimens

Where rockhounds find megalodon teeth

7 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

South Carolina
North Carolina
Florida
Chile
Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary marine deposits country — that is the host setting where megalodon teeth typically forms. If you start seeing phosphate nodules, sandstone, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a serrated triangular blade habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in South Carolina — start trip planning there.

Browse 7 U.S. spots for megalodon teeth →

Common questions

How do you identify megalodon teeth?+

Mohs hardness is 3-5. It typically shows a dull to waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, black, brown, tan.

Where is megalodon teeth found?+

Notable localities include South Carolina; North Carolina; Florida; Chile; Morocco.

Can I find megalodon teeth in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 7 megalodon teeth rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are South Carolina.

How much is megalodon teeth worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 small fragments, $500-5000+ for large museum-grade specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with megalodon teeth?+

Megalodon Teeth commonly co-occurs with phosphate nodules, sandstone, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does megalodon teeth form in?+

Megalodon Teeth typically forms in sedimentary marine deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is megalodon teeth used for?+

Megalodon Teeth is used in collector, educational, decorative.

Find megalodon teeth on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.