Rare symphyseal british eocene shark tooth, woolwich beds, paleocene-eocene, beltinge, kent, uk

Description

This listing features a RARE symphyseal shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This well-preserved specimen was discovered in Beltinge, Kent, UK, a famous fossil site known for producing high-quality early Paleogene marine fossils.

What is a Symphyseal Shark Tooth?

A symphyseal tooth is a rare type of shark tooth found at the midline of the jaw, positioned at the front of the shark’s mouth. These teeth are often smaller, narrower, and more specialized than lateral teeth, playing a crucial role in gripping prey. Due to their placement and delicate structure, symphyseal shark teeth are far less commonly found as fossils, making this specimen an excellent and rare addition to any collection.

The exact species of this symphyseal tooth is undetermined, but it likely belonged to a lamniform shark, closely related to modern-day mako sharks and great whites, which thrived in the warm, shallow seas of the early Paleogene.

Fossil Details:

✅ Type: Symphyseal Shark Tooth

✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds

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

✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK

✅ Collection: Alice Purnell Collection – One of the world’s largest ammonite collections

Geological Significance:

The Woolwich Beds represent a key Paleocene-Eocene marine deposit, formed in shallow coastal and estuarine environments. This was a period of major marine ecosystem recovery following the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period. The fossil record from these beds provides valuable insights into early shark evolution, with fossilized teeth offering a glimpse into the diverse predator species that ruled the Paleogene seas.

Why This Fossil is Special:

🔹 Extremely Rare Symphyseal Tooth – These teeth are significantly rarer than standard lateral shark teeth.

🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Displays fine enamel detail, well-defined cusp, and delicate structure.

🔹 Museum-Quality Specimen – Sourced from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection.

🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – 100% genuine fossil, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

📏 Scale Rule / 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 collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, providing a unique glimpse into the specialized dentition of ancient sharks.

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