Rare: heterodontus vincenti british eocene shark tooth, woolwich beds, paleocene-eocene, beltinge, kent, uk

Description

This listing features a genuine Heterodontus vincenti shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This well-preserved fossil was discovered in Beltinge, Kent, UK, a famous site known for producing high-quality fossil shark teeth from the early Cenozoic era.

What is Heterodontus vincenti?

Heterodontus vincenti was an extinct species of bullhead shark, belonging to the Heterodontiformes family, which still has living representatives today, such as the Port Jackson shark. Unlike open-ocean predators, Heterodontussharks were primarily bottom-dwelling species, known for their unique dentition that allowed them to crush hard-shelled prey like mollusks and crustaceans.

This species’ teeth are adapted for a durophagous (hard-shelled) diet, featuring:

🔹 Broad, rounded crushing plates—ideal for breaking apart shellfish and crustaceans

🔹 Well-developed thick enamel—enhancing durability over time

🔹 Distinctive multi-cusped structure—a key characteristic of bullhead sharks

This specimen exhibits exceptional preservation, retaining its crushing morphology, smooth enamel, and overall shape, making it a rare and desirable addition to any fossil collection.

Fossil Details:

✅ Species: Heterodontus vincenti

✅ Fossil Type: Shark Tooth

✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds

✅ Geological Age: Paleocene-Eocene (~56 million years old)

✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK

✅ Authenticity: 100% Genuine Fossil with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological Significance:

The Woolwich Beds are a crucial fossil-bearing deposit from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, a time of major climate shifts and marine diversification following the Cretaceous mass extinction. These shallow coastal and estuarine deposits preserve a wide variety of marine fossils, including sharks, rays, mollusks, and other invertebrates, making them an important resource for understanding early Cenozoic marine ecosystems.

Why This Fossil is Special:

🔹 Rare British Bullhead Shark Tooth – Heterodontus vincenti fossils are significantly rarer than those of other Eocene shark species.

🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Displays well-defined crushing surfaces and high-quality enamel.

🔹 Museum-Quality Specimen – A highly collectible fossil, ideal for fossil enthusiasts, researchers, and educational displays.

🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for provenance verification.

📏 Scale Cube = 1cm – Please see photos for full sizing details.

📸 What You See Is What You Get – The specimen in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

This rare British Eocene shark tooth is a must-have for fossil collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life.

💎 Don’t miss out on this scientifically significant and highly collectible fossil!