Need help with fossil ID

[Kdarling]

I am a real newby at this so this might seem quite basic, I apologize. I took my grandson to hunt for sharks teeth at Purse State Park and Douglas Point on the Potomac. We found some nice sand tiger teeth but I’m not sure of the others. First pic - sand tiger shark teeth. Second and third pics are what I need help with. Thanks!

[Kdarling]

Sorry pics are out of order. First and third are what I need help with.

[val horn]

the third is odd to my eye.  Can you show front and back.   What I would like to understand is if what appears to be the  root of the tooth is root or matrix

[Kdarling]

I’m pretty sure that’s matrix. Doesn’t look like the root. Two more pics:

[debivort]

Since all we can see in #3 is part of the blade, I feel like there are many possibilities, such as a worn sand tiger or a mako.

[Kdarling]

Doesn’t really look like my other sand tigers. Different shape and color. But then IDK, that’s why I’m asking. Is the first one a sand tiger? Looks a little different or is it just from another area of the mouth?

 

 

[val horn]

if you think it matrix then it may be worthwhile to prep it 

[debivort]

2 hours ago, Kdarling said:

Doesn’t really look like my other sand tigers. Different shape and color. But then IDK, that’s why I’m asking. Is the first one a sand tiger? Looks a little different or is it just from another area of the mouth?

 

 

the striations in the first, and now that you mention it, third don't really strike me as sand tiger like.

 

Hopefully some other folks weigh in.

[sixgill pete]

All of the teeth are Striatolamia striata, an extinct sand tiger like species.

[Kdarling]

So I removed the matrix and here’s what was under. Kinda wish I had left it alone. With the matrix on then the root could be whatever I imagine.  But I had to know. Is there a book someone could recommend for basic fossil ID? Fossils for dummies or something like that?

thanks for your replies.

[debivort]

1 hour ago, Kdarling said:

Kinda wish I had left it alone.

You'll just have to go collect better specimens to make up for it.

 

1 hour ago, Kdarling said:

Is there a book someone could recommend for basic fossil ID? Fossils for dummies or something like that?

A book broad enough to cover all fossils won't give you the detail you need for satisfactory identifications. I'd suggest getting books specific to the collection sites you plan to frequent.

[Searcher78]

On 8/26/2022 at 8:38 AM, Kdarling said:

So I removed the matrix and here’s what was under. Kinda wish I had left it alone. With the matrix on then the root could be whatever I imagine.  But I had to know. Is there a book someone could recommend for basic fossil ID? Fossils for dummies or something like that?

thanks for your replies.

Use the elasmo. Com website