A stunning example of a hybodont shark's tooth fossil from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Lyme Regis, Dorset UK.
The tooth measures 15 mm (0.6 inches) across and sits in the original limestone matrix in which it was found that measures 45 mm (1.8 inches) across.
The tooth is very well preserved as a crown with a high level of detail in the distinctive striations and cusps. It has a nice black colour. The whole piece weighs 45 grams.
The tooth has been prepared using air abrasive techniques, which are the best for preserving and exposing the detail in these delicate fossils.
Shark fossils from this location are rare and usually of exceptional quality. These sharks were large bottom-feeders that scavenged on sea life that died and sank to the seafloor. Ichthyosaur fossils sometimes show bites from these sharks, and teeth are occasionally found alongside ichthyosaurs indicating scavenging.
These fossils were first found by pioneering Victorian fossils hunters like Mary Anning. shark fossils are very popular fossils from this location.
Around 198 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.