Megalodon teeth are the fossilized remains of the extinct giant shark Otodus megalodon, highly sought after for their massive size and serrated edges. They are commonly found in marine sedimentary river beds and coastal deposits, often exhibiting dark coloration due to mineralization during the fossilization process.

Hardness

3-5

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Earthy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

fossilcommon

Megalodon Tooth

Also: Otodus megalodon tooth

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

Is this megalodon tooth?

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 tooth with a known reference. Megalodon Tooth 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 Tooth leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Megalodon Tooth typically shows a dull to earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray, brown, tan.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: triangular serrated blade.

Often found alongside megalodon tooth

Minerals reported to co-occur with megalodon tooth. 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: Black Gray Brown Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Triangular Serrated Blade
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Marine Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 for small specimens, $1,000-5,000+ for large gem-quality teeth

Where rockhounds find megalodon tooth

Classic worldwide localities

South Carolina, USA
Florida, USA
North Carolina, USA
Chile
Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary marine deposits country — that is the host setting where megalodon tooth typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a triangular serrated blade habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify megalodon tooth?+

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

Where is megalodon tooth found?+

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

How much is megalodon tooth worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 for small specimens, $1,000-5,000+ for large gem-quality teeth. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with megalodon tooth?+

Megalodon Tooth commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Calcite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does megalodon tooth form in?+

Megalodon Tooth 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 tooth used for?+

Megalodon Tooth is used in collector, decorative.

Find megalodon tooth on the map

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