RARE: Notorynchus primigenius Lower Shark Tooth Fossil – Early Miocene – Pungo River Marl – Lee Creek PCS Mine, North Carolina, USA

Description

RARE Notorynchus primigenius Lower Shark Tooth – Early Miocene – Pungo River Marl – Lee Creek PCS Mine, North Carolina, USA

This listing features an authentic and scientifically significant fossil tooth from the extinct cow shark species Notorynchus primigenius, a six-gilled Hexanchid shark of the order Hexanchiformes. This lower jaw tooth is from the famous Pungo River Marl, a unit within the Lee Creek (PCS Phosphate) Mine exposure near Aurora, North Carolina, and dates to the Early Miocene Epoch, approximately 23 to 16 million years ago.

Fossil Type: Lower Shark Tooth

Species: Notorynchus primigenius

Order: Hexanchiformes

Family: Hexanchidae

Class: Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fishes)

Geological Stage: Early Miocene (Burdigalian)

Formation: Pungo River Marl, part of the Chesapeake Group

Location: Lee Creek Mine, Aurora, Beaufort County, North Carolina, USA

Depositional Environment: Marine shelf environment with phosphate-rich, nutrient-dense sediments supporting diverse vertebrate fauna

Morphology Features:

The lower jaw tooth of Notorynchus primigenius is easily recognisable by its broad base and multiple lateral cusplets, a defining feature of cow sharks in the Hexanchidae family. This particular specimen exhibits clear preservation of the root and cusps, including enamel sheen and serrated edges. Its structure indicates its role in capturing and processing large prey, including bony fish and marine reptiles.

Notable:

Fossils from the PCS Mine at Lee Creek are highly sought-after due to the site’s exceptional preservation and restricted access since the mine ceased public fossil collecting. Notorynchus primigenius teeth are among the rarer finds compared to other Miocene shark species, and this well-preserved lower tooth is a valuable piece for any marine fossil or vertebrate palaeontology collection.

Condition: Professionally cleaned and stable, with good enamel definition and full root visible. This is the exact specimen you will receive.

Scale Reference: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Please refer to the photo for full sizing.

Important Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This is a standout fossil for collectors of Miocene sharks, marine vertebrates, and rare Hexanchiform fossils from classic American fossil localities.