Long before anyone could place the Megalodon tooth on a shelf, photograph it, or study its sharp edge, the tooth was doing something far less peaceful. It was one of the largest predatory sharks to have ever existed in Earth’s oceans. Then the tooth was lost. For most objects, this could be the final chapter. For fossils it could be the beginning.
The fossils available from Fossil Driven have been through a geological process measured not in years or centuries, instead in the millions of years. The understanding of this journey alters the way you view the fossil. It’s no longer just looking at an intriguing object. You’re seeing the physical evidence of a long-gone world.
Image credit: fossildriven.com
First Station: An Ancient Ocean
Think about the Megalodon the molars in West Java, Indonesia. Around 20 million year ago warmer marine habitats were present in dry regions that are now. Megalodons, as well as a variety of other marine species, inhabited the prehistoric oceans.
As modern sharks do, Megalodon always produced and lost teeth. A few of the teeth were buried in marine sediments. In the right conditions burial can protect them long enough for their fossilization.
Then geology came in.
The next chapter happened incredibly slowly. Sediments accumulated. Minerals were able to react with the buried material. The effects of geological forces changed the landscape, and once-underwater environments later became part of the land we live on. The processes behind the color differences in fossil teeth are what shoppers are able to see when they browse Megalodon teeth for sale.
Indonesian specimens found in the West Java’s Miocene Bentang Formation may appear in a variety of shades including tan or gold, as well as brown blue, red, and brown. They may also show different shades within one tooth. The environment surrounding the specimen may affect the color of a specimen after a lengthy burial. Nature cannot replicate the effects in massive quantities. Each fossil has the geological past.
Discovery Starts A New Chapter
Then, a fossil which was hidden for thousands of years is found. The identification and documentation of the fossil are now vital.
When collectors browse authentic megalodon teeth for sale, they aren’t only evaluating appearance. This is why they have to be aware of geological preservation, age, locality and repairs.
Natural wear can’t erase any fossil’s previous. The specimen’s history is reflected in worn edges or a damaged root, or a surface that is serrated. Most important is to present the specimen in a precise manner.
Fossil Driven has more than 13 years of fossil identification experience to the process, and also works with established fossil hunters and suppliers. When possible, specimens are described and examined with all relevant details.
The Fossil Will Reach Someone’s Hands
The majority of people purchase real Fossils for a variety of reasons. Some collect carefully-categorized collections. Some are looking to create a dramatic conversation piece. A child who is fascinated by prehistoric creatures could get their first fossil which can spark a lifelong love for paleontology.
Megalodon’s teeth are only one method to enter the world. Dinosaur tooth, mosasaur trilobites and ammonites, as together with mammoth, ammonite, and amber materials preserve different chapters in Earth’s history.
The most satisfying thing is knowing it’s authentic
A replica can replicate the shape and size of teeth that was found in prehistory. The replica can’t recreate its history. The Megalodon teeth were found in prehistoric animals who lived in a totally different habitat than we do today. They survived geological changes, were buried for many millennia, and were eventually were discovered.
This is why authenticity is crucial. A fossil is a tangible reminder of a trip that has been nearly impossible to imagine. The display case is the latest stop on the journey.