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How To Tell If A Shark’s Tooth is Authentic 

Closeup of a sharks face

Authentic Shark Teeth are prized possessions for many people, whether collected as souvenirs or admired by fossil enthusiasts. Sharks are magnificent creatures, and their Authentic Shark Teeth hold a special fascination. If you’re in the market for Authentic Shark Teeth, it’s crucial to ensure that the tooth you buy is truly authentic—not some cheap imitation or replica. Here are some reliable tips on how to determine a shark’s tooth authenticity.

How to Spot Fake Authentic Shark Teeth

There are three main types of fake Authentic Shark Teeth: cast copies, molded pieces, and carved pieces. Knowing these distinctions can help ensure you only purchase genuine shark teeth.

Cast Copies

Cast copies are made by pouring plaster or resin into a mold of an actual Authentic Shark Tooth. These copies are usually easy to spot because they often have bubbles in them or lack fine details. You can also hold the tooth up to the light. If you see light shining through the tooth, it is not an Authentic Shark Tooth.

Molded Pieces

Molded pieces are also made from plaster or resin, but instead of being poured into a mold, they are manually shaped to look like Authentic Shark Teeth. Molded pieces often lack the fine details that Authentic Shark Teeth have, and they frequently have sharp edges.

Carved Pieces

Carved pieces are exactly what they sound like—pieces of wood or bone that have been carved into the shape of Authentic Shark Teeth. Carved pieces are often easy to spot because they don’t look like real teeth at all. They also tend to be lighter in color than Authentic Shark Teeth.

Why Wear & Tear Proves Authentic Shark Teeth Are Real

Authentic Shark Teeth are typically made from enamel, one of the hardest substances found in nature. This makes them very durable and resistant to wear over time. However, an Authentic Shark Tooth will still show signs of wear and tear—especially due to age. If there are no signs of wear or damage on the tooth, it may not be an Authentic Shark Tooth.

Fossilization: The Key to Authentic Shark Teeth

The fossilization process is a hallmark of Authentic Shark Teeth. These teeth take millions of years to fossilize, displaying characteristics like cracks or pits on their surface caused by weathering and erosion. If a tooth lacks these traits, it’s unlikely to be an Authentic Shark Tooth.

Conclusion: Ensure You Buy Authentic Shark Teeth

By understanding the characteristics of Authentic Shark Teeth, such as their texture, color, wear, and fossilization, you can confidently avoid fake teeth and make an informed purchase. Authenticity matters, and these tips will help you spot the real deal!

 

Identify Possible Fake Shark Teeth

There are three main types of fake shark teeth: cast copies, molded pieces, and carved pieces. 

Cast Copies

Cast copies are made by pouring plaster or resin into a mold of an actual tooth. These copies are usually easy to spot because they often have bubbles in them or lack fine details. You can also hold the tooth up to the light. If you see light shining through the tooth, it is not authentic. 

Molded Pieces

Molded pieces are also made from plaster or resin, but instead of being poured into a mold, they are manually shaped to look like teeth. Molded pieces often lack the fine details that authentic teeth have and they frequently have sharp edges.  

Carved Pieces

Carved pieces are exactly what they sound like—pieces of wood or bone that have been carved into the shape of teeth. Carved pieces are often easy to spot because they don’t look like real teeth at all. They also tend to be lighter in color than authentic teeth.  

Check for Signs of Wear & Tear 

Shark teeth are typically made from enamel, which is one of the hardest substances found in nature. As such, they tend to be very durable and resistant to wear over time. An authentic shark’s tooth will show signs of wear and tear—even with careful handling—due to its age. If there are no signs of wear or damage on the tooth, it may be a fake. 

Fossilization Process 

Authentic sharks’ teeth take millions of years to fossilize, so they should display characteristics common with ancient fossils—such as cracks or pits in the surface due to weathering and erosion. A fake tooth will usually not have any visible signs of age or fossilization processes like this. 

Authentic shark teeth

Examine Color & Texture 

Color

An genuine shark’s tooth will have an uneven coloration that fades from darker near the root to lighter near the tip; this is because as new layers of enamel form over time, they cause variations in coloration due to different mineral concentrations in each layer. Fake sharks’ teeth may look too uniform in color throughout.

Texture

An authentic shark’s tooth should feel smooth but slightly gritty at the same time; if it feels too smooth or too rough then it may be a fake.   

Authentic shark teeth

Verifying a shark’s tooth authenticity can be challenging. However, by following these known facts when examining your potential purchase, you can increase your chances of buying an authentic product in good faith. These master tips can help you avoid buying an imitation tooth. Good luck!

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