|
|
|
MEGALODON TOOTH - Yorktown Formation, Lee Creek - Aurora, North Carolina EARLY PLIOCENE PERIOD: 5.3 million years ago From the world-renown Lee Creek Formation in North Carolina, U.S., this spectacular fossil tooth once belonged to the giant killer shark - Carcharodon megalodon. Megalodon teeth from Lee Creek are considered to rank amongst the most beautiful in the world. Compared to the ugly black and dark brown crud-stained Meg teeth found in rivers, Lee Creek specimens have roots and enamel in a rainbow of colors. This is a result of the unique chemistry of the phosphate-rich sediments in Lee Creek. This beautiful anterior lower tooth has one of the sharpest tips of any Meg teeth you will find in this size. It must have been a freshly emerged tooth that only lasted in the jaw long enough for one bloodthirsty, ferocious meal before the tooth was lost. On the edges there are three areas of impact where other teeth in the jaw bit down against this tooth so strong that it gouged the serrations. An other area shows very light abrasions from tooth damage, as well. Other than this, the tooth is virtually unused hence the perfectly needle-sharp tip with virtually no wear. Coming from phosphate-rich deposits, the tooth possesses a beautiful white root and butterscotch enamel at the base turning to light ivory cream. Reverse side of root has a U-shaped depression. It is most likely that this tooth was lost in a very strong struggle of the unfortunate prey trying to escape the massive bite force of this shark. It seems as though this tooth was pulled outward from the jaw, pressing a depression into the root from the jaw as opposing teeth were firmly clenched together, grinding into this tooth in an effort by the shark to hold on to its meal. This tooth is a fascinating and beautiful example of the ferocity of this killer beast and its bite force. There is NO RESTORATION and NO REPAIR anywhere on this specimen.
On the south shore of the Pamlico river in North Carolina near the Outer Banks lies an open pit phosphate mine still in operation. This mine produces some of the finest fossil shark teeth in the world and the region is known as "Lee Creek" by most. There are four recognized formations each with its respective representation of an epoch in time. They are in order of oldest first, PUNGO RIVER (Lower Miocene), YORKTOWN (Early Pliocene), CHOWAN RIVER (Late Pliocene), and JAMES CITY (Pleistocene). It is currently believed that the Pungo River layer once existed as a sub-tropical marine environment. The lowest strata of this formation is theorized to have been under 100 - 200 meters of water when covered by a prehistoric ocean with the uppermost layer having existed at a depth of 70 meters under water. The Yorktown layer is believed to have been under 80 - 100 meters at its lowest strata with a gradual decrease in the ocean depth to a point where the water was as shallow as 15 meters at the last time period of that formation's existence. Approximately 50 species of sharks alone are found in the Lee Creek mine. Other fossils exist representing skates, rays, bony fishes, mammals (mainly marine), reptiles (turtles) and a host of marine invertebrates. Lee Creek is a world-class site for some of the finest shark fossils. These specimens are coveted by collectors the world over. All it takes is to hold one of these gem teeth in your hand and behold the beauty up close and personal. In doing so, you too, will be hooked forever on the beauty of Lee Creek teeth. ULTRA-SHARP TIP ON THIS KILLER LOWER TOOTH! 3.2" in length on the diagonal edge, 2.25" wide at the root SOLD SH629 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
|
165 |
At a length of 52 feet
and weighing in excess of 60 tons, Carcharodon megalodon was the second
largest predator that ever existed on this planet, the largest being the
sperm whale. Megalodon was larger and heavier than T. rex.
Scientific reconstructions of this shark estimate the dorsal fin 5.5
feet tall, the pectoral fins at 10 feet in length and the tail over 12
feet high. If you were unfortunate enough to have a megalodon swim
over you, the pectoral fins would measure 30 feet from tip to tip with a
torso in excess of 10 feet thick! The jaws were so large that
this shark would be able to swallow a Rhinoceros whole. A
predator this size would have most likely fed on large marine
vertebrates, especially whales. Fossil teeth have been found in
excess of 7 inches in length! Megalodon teeth are similar in
geometry to the modern White Shark and scientists are still passionately
divided on the origin of the two species and if megalodon is related to
the modern white shark. It is also not fully understood why this
giant killer became extinct but we can all be glad it is. A day at
the beach just wouldn't be what it is today!