The shark tooth has captured the attention of humans for thousands of years. When you hold a shark tooth in your hand, you are holding history. Fossils, weapons, symbols of strength – the shark tooth has bitten off more than most can chew.
If you’re wondering more about the shark tooth, you’ve come to the right place. In the past, people would use shark teeth for tools and weapons. Today, most people give them as gifts to wear around the neck or wrist. Whatever your use, the shark tooth has told many tales.
Here are a few things you might not have known about the shark tooth.
Shark Tooth Fact Number One
Shark teeth for jewelry are fossils.
This should ease your mind. While we can’t speak for everyone, as a general rule, shark teeth used for necklaces aren’t taken from the animals themselves. If done right, people will gather teeth from various places around the world where the teeth are already fossilized.
It is vital to be on guard for places that might have obtained their shark teeth through unethical means. They are out there.
Here at Charming Shark, we never take shark teeth from live or hunted sharks. Gathering only takes place after they have been shed and fossilized.
This leads us to our next shark tooth fact . . .
Shark Tooth Fact Number Two
Sharks grow and lose a lot of teeth throughout their lifespan. Some grow and lose up to 30,000 teeth!
Holy. Moly. This abundance of shark teeth is one reason they are found in many various parts of the world.
The large quantity of shark teeth available is all the more reason for people to ethically obtain these treasures. There is no reason for anyone to hunt or kill a shark for the teeth.
Shark Tooth Fact Number Three
Shark teeth are the only part of a fossilized shark.
Strangely enough, a shark’s skeleton is made out of cartilage. Cartilage doesn’t fossilize. After a shark dies, it’s skeleton is completely decomposed, and there is nothing left of the shark.
Except for the teeth.
The shark tooth consists of enamel, which is tougher than bone. This characteristic makes the shark tooth prone to fossilization and good durability. Which means . . .
Shark Tooth Fact Number Four
Due to their strength and durability, people used shark teeth for tools and even weapons.
The sharpness and triangular shape of the shark’s tooth make it useful for fashioning an arrowhead or a saw. You can still find places that make tools out of shark teeth.
When you wear a shark tooth necklace, not only are you wearing something stylish, but you are wearing a weapon and a token of strength.
Shark Tooth Fact Number Five
You can probably find a shark tooth on a beach near you.
That’s right, there isn’t some exclusive “Shark tooth Island.” People find shark teeth on the east and west coasts of the United States. They can also be found in some inland areas. People routinely find shark teeth on the shores of South Carolina, California and Florida - Venice Florida is known as an exceptionally good spot.
That’s right, there isn’t some exclusive “Shark tooth Island.” People find shark teeth on the east and west coasts of the United States. They can also be found in some inland areas. People routinely find shark teeth on the shores of South Carolina, California and Florida - Venice Florida is known as an exceptionally good spot.
Thousands of years ago, the oceans used to extend further inland. Someone can find a shark tooth in a river bed far from the coast. This isn’t the norm, but it’s a curious thing to ponder.
At one time, sharks may have been swimming in your own back yard! If you decide to go looking for shark teeth, be on the lookout for something EXTRA special . . .
Shark Tooth Fact Number Six
Megalodon. It’s real. And people have found Meg’s teeth!
This is how we know these super-sized sharks once existed. The Megalodon tooth can reach the size of an adult human’s hand. Though much rarer than the smaller shark tooth, keep on the lookout when on your treasure hunt.
Megalodon are said to be extinct. While there is no current data to refute this, there have been a few instances of extinct animals showing up years later. With the size of the Megaledon, we would likely have spotted it if it still existed.
However, there have been sightings of huge great whites.
If you’re having any trepidations about going in the water, just remember to practice shark safety and also this: you are more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark.
Shark Tooth Fact Number Seven
Some people believe that wearing a shark tooth necklace will protect them from sharks while in the water.
Whether you believe in these powers of the shark tooth or not, there is no doubt, wearing a shark tooth around your neck will remind you of the strength and beauty of these sea creatures. It will also help you respect them as creatures of the sea and keep you aware of your surroundings while you are surfing, or enjoying a day at the beach.
For this reason, a shark tooth necklace can be a great gift to give an avid surfer or water enthusiast. Here is a bold selection of shark tooth necklaces that are sure to make you as confident in the water as the Great White itself.
Shark Tooth Fact Number Eight
Humans have 32 teeth. A great white shark can have up to 3000 teeth at one time – what a smile!
As mentioned, sharks can go through many thousands of teeth in their lifetime. The great white sharks go through roughly 20,000.
Sharks use their teeth to eat. Obviously, but, without these robust rows of razors, sharks wouldn’t be able to contribute to their role in the ocean ecosystem. Without sharks, we would have more dead fish laying around, and an overpopulation of fish that could cause more harm than good.
Though terrifying, those 3000 teeth play a valuable role in keeping our oceans in perfect harmony.
Shark Tooth Final Words
Shark tooth jewelry makes an excellent gift for a surfer and anyone who enjoys the outdoors and appreciates the wild. Hopefully, your further understanding of the history and culture of the shark tooth will give you a greater appreciation for these sharp treasure.
Be sure to check out some of our other blog posts for all things surf and adventure:
Why You Should Consider Traveling Solo
Written By: Gideon Zielinksi
