shark57 18 Posted August 5, 2014 Despite the forecast for possible thunderstorms, my son and I went back to our favorite Calvert formation Miocene site. There hadn't been much rain or erosion, so we had to look closely for small pieces of things sticking out of the cliff. Here are a few of the finds: Almost didn't bother with the porpoise rib bone, but after collecting it I noticed some nice predation marks in the middle and the end, which looks bitten off. The small bone I assume is bird (Auspex, what do you think?). For the highlight of this trip, see the next post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shark57 18 Posted August 5, 2014 A couple hours into the trip, I was looking up, and spotted about half an inch of the tip of a tooth sticking out about 12 feet up the cliff. Here is a fuzzy pic of the tip sticking out. I told my son that it looked like the crown of a Squalodon tooth, and he was like "no way, it can't be". We had talked earlier in the day of how we had never found a Squalodon tooth at this site. Took about 10 minutes to dig foot holes and climb into position to collect the tooth. After a few minutes this is what was it looked like: I managed to cut the tooth out in a small block, with the root lobes still not visible, so I didn't know how much of it was there. After I got home I immediately set about to expose the rest of the root. I was quite surprised to uncover these crazy long root lobes. The tooth is just over 2.5 inches tall. Here is a better view of the crown. The enamel is perfect and I love the color contrast between the root and the crown. This is definitely the best Squalodon tooth I have ever found. Now I have to decide whether to leave it in the matrix, or remove it to repair the cracks in the root. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fossilized6s 760 Posted August 5, 2014 Sweet finds!! Cool predation marks. I'd leave it, she's a real beaut, worthy of anyone's collection. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Dente 4,560 Posted August 5, 2014 Excellent find on the Squalodon tooth. I would leave it in the matrix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hokiehunter 74 Posted August 5, 2014 Holy moly! What an awesome find. Of all the Miocene teeth a Squalodon molar is easily my favorite. 500 or so hours of searching under my belt and I have yet to find a definitive piece from one though let alone a complete rooted specimen. Incredible. Congrats! oh... btw... I know Auspex has mentioned this and so have you but I think it is worth mentioning again. This hunt took place on a private site where you have permission to dig in the cliff. Others should NOT be doing this without permission. I only mention because my on my last trip out I ran into no fewer than 4 groups of trespassers 2 of whom had large shovels and one of whom I caught in the act. tsk tsk... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcbshark 706 Posted August 5, 2014 Great find,congrats! : ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sixgill pete 2,355 Posted August 5, 2014 The Squalodon tooth is amazing. I agree with Al Dente, I would leave it in the matrix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
old bones 428 Posted August 5, 2014 That is awesome! Great find and it does look good in the matrix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fossilized6s 760 Posted August 5, 2014 FOTM worthy! +1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarcoSr 3,161 Posted August 5, 2014 Gary Beautiful Squalodon! I'd leave it in the matrix. Marco Sr. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
busyeagle 3 Posted August 5, 2014 What a tooth! I was there watching and getting "green with envy" as it emerged from its sandy grave. I adore Squalodon molars but have yet to find one. He deserved it though because it was his birthday this past weekend. Talk about a birthday present... I did come away with a nice consolation prize of a beautiful little Notorynchus. Just doesn't compare though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
powelli1 43 Posted August 5, 2014 Hi Gary First Happy Birthday OLD FRIEND and WOW very nice tooth and rib. I also vote to leave it in the matrix. Klye you did good don't feal to bad I like the old cow tooth. Take Care George Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarcoSr 3,161 Posted August 6, 2014 What a tooth! I was there watching and getting "green with envy" as it emerged from its sandy grave. I adore Squalodon molars but have yet to find one. He deserved it though because it was his birthday this past weekend. Talk about a birthday present... I did come away with a nice consolation prize of a beautiful little Notorynchus. Just doesn't compare though! cowshark 8-3-14.jpg Kyle Really nice tooth. I'm waiting for you to finish prepping and post a few other things. Marco Sr. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
