When one tooth from an animal is bigger than your hand, you know you'd be in trouble!
It's easy to see why Megalodon means "big toothed" as this massive, unrepaired tooth with beautiful serration measures over 5" long on its diagonal. It was found in the Hawthorne Formation near Charleston, SC area. The blue-gray color is typical of the area between Florida and the Carolinas due to the tannic acid left by pine trees in the water.
The Carcharocles megalodon was the Great White Shark of prehistoric waters between 23 to 3 million years ago. It is known as one of the largest and most fearsome ocean predators ever. This massive shark could have grown over 50 feet long, comparing to modern great white sharks growing to a max of 20 feet. Its jaws could contain 250 teeth at one time, continually replacing them throughout its life.
Type: Great White Shark Tooth
Species: Carcharocles megalodon
Age: Late Miocene (~ 8 million years ago)
Formation: Hawthorne Formation
Locality; South Carolina
Size: 5.5 x 4 inches
Weight: 10 oz.