All About Fossils: Shark Teeth, Dinosaur Sculptures, and so Much More!
Earth formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago, and with it came many organisms that walked, crawled and swam across it millions and millions of years before humans. But, thanks to fossils and the work of scientists and paleontologists, we're able to see what Earth was like in the very beginning.
For some, fossil collecting is a relatively new hobby, but for others, it's a lifestyle and one that we love to support here at Whaler's Locker! We're proud to have a vast collection of fossils, shark tooth fossils, shark tooth jewelry, and dinosaur sculptures for you to choose from when looking for the next piece for your collection or the perfect gift for someone special. Let's take a look at what makes a fossil a fossil and why they are so unique.
What Are Fossils?
Fossils are a fantastic piece of history in that they allow us a look into the far distant past and see how organisms have grown and evolved throughout centuries and, in some cases, millenniums. Fossils are records, if you will, meaning they serve as proof that individual organisms, animals, plants, and other creatures lived on Earth, how big they were, and other important attributes essential to understanding the world in which we live.
The 4 Types of Fossils
Not all fossils are created equal, and likewise, not all fossils form in the same way. So, to give you a crash course on identifying types of fossils, let’s look at the four main types.
1. Molds
Mold fossils are imprints made on a specific substrate, like rock or sediment. These types of fossils are typically hollow, unlike a cast fossil, and the resulting fossilized image is a backward image of the organism because no mineralized sediment fills up the space. Examples of mold fossils can include skin, leaves, teeth, claws, and embryos.
2. Casts
A cast fossil is the opposite of mold, meaning while they are also formed with an organism’s imprint in the sediment, subsequent materials or sediment fill the hollow (or negative) space. Examples of mold fossils can include skin, leaves, teeth, claws, and embryos.
3. Traces
Trace fossils, or ichnofossils, are not imprints of the organism itself, but instead, they provide information on the traces left behind by that particular organism. For instance, a trace fossil could be the footprints, nest, or tooth marks from a specific organism.
4. True Form
True form fossils occur when body parts of the organism do not decay. Instead, these fossils undergo a process called petrification, meaning minerals replace the body parts of the organism. Examples of true form fossils include limbs, torsos, or heads of an organism.
Fossilized Fashion
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the natural history buff in your life or just want a one-of-a-kind piece that’ll turn heads, our unique shark tooth jewelry collection is perfect for you! Let’s take a closer look at the collection to explore the custom pieces we have available, from Mako shark fossils to Megalodon tooth pendants, we have something for everyone. You'll always make a fun fashion statement with shark tooth jewelry!
Mako Shark Tooth Pendants
Hawaii has more than 40 species of sharks that are common around its shores and further out in the deeper ocean waters surrounding the islands. One of these species is the shortfin Mako shark. Notorious for being a swift and dangerous predator, the Mako shark is known for its long, sharp nose and its speed. Mako sharks are also known for their fighting abilities, sometimes even preying on smaller sharks, and their repeated leaps out of the water. Mako sharks also have long, slender teeth, which are often discarded in the ocean or on the shore thanks to the rapid process teeth falling out during a particularly nasty fight or while chewing up a meal.
We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite Mako shark tooth pendants from our collection—from small to large; we can customize a piece to be everything you want and more!
- This enticing fossilized Mako shark tooth pendant features a beautiful coffee brown root paired with a light grey blade with interesting black streaks. This fossil pendant measures 1 ½" from the tip to the corner of the root, and you can even pair it with either one of these sterling silver chains.
- This colorful Mako shark tooth pendant features a few different contrasting hues, making it a truly unique statement piece. Combine that with the slight curvature of the tooth, and you have a unique gift for someone on your list!
- If you’re looking for a more substantial statement pendant, look no further than this 2 ¼” beauty. Featuring a light brown root and a lighter, marbled blade, this Mako shark tooth pendant is sure to turn a few heads!
The Megalodon Tooth
Meaning "big tooth," the Megalodon shark that lived more than 23 million years ago, was known for its large teeth that you can still find to this day in the ocean and on beaches around the world. Scientists even believe that Megalodon had more than 250 of those giant teeth! To put the size of a Megalodon tooth into perspective, think about this: the most significant Great White Shark tooth is only about three to four inches. In comparison, the largest Megalodon tooth on record was almost seven inches long! Because you aren’t likely to stumble upon an intact Megalodon tooth on the beach anytime soon, you can take a look at our Megalodon tooth pendant collection to bring a massive piece of marine history home with you!
- This exceptional Megalodon tooth pendant measures approximately 1 ¾” from its tip to the corner of the root and features some beautiful brown striations. This Megalodon tooth even features some an intact serrated edge around the tip of the tooth!
- A work of art, this fossilized Megalodon tooth pendant is 3” from root to tip and is sure to be a statement piece in your jewelry collection! Both sides of this Megalodon tooth feature breathtaking hues that are as interesting as they are beautiful!
Other Shark Tooth Fossils
Not to be forgotten, we also have some Great White Shark tooth pendants for any Shark Week buffs on your list. Known as one of the largest predators on Earth, the Great White Shark is notorious for their large size, which is typically an average of 15 feet, with some growing to over 20 feet long, and the way they powerfully attack their prey. With giant mouths full of up to 300 large, serrated teeth arranged in several rows, owning a piece of natural history in the form of a Great White Shark tooth pendant can undoubtedly cause you to turn heads wherever you go!
- This beautiful Great White Shark tooth pendant is a natural beauty thanks to its sleek dark gray hue and clear serrations that illustrate the sheer power of a Great White Shark’s bite. Pair it with one of our sterling silver chains to make the dark coloring pop on any skin tone!
Fossils From The Sea
If you’re looking for a gift that’s not a piece of jewelry but still contains the same amount of history, we’ve got a collection of beautiful fossils, as well! Let’s take a look at a few of our ocean-based fossils first!
- The absolute perfect gift for any blossoming fossil collectors in your life; a Trilobite fossil is not only adorable, but it is also unique! Did you know that while long extinct, Trilobites are one of the earliest-known arthropods to live on Earth? Scientists believe that these tiny arthropods either moved over sea beds as predators or scavengers or some species even swam, feeding on plankton found in the ocean. One of the most successful early animals, Trilobites, existed in the Earth's oceans for almost 300 million years! This tiny little fossil tells a big story.
- This perfect Ammonite fossil pair from Madagascar shows off the amazingly detailed beauty of the inner chambers of this long-extinct cephalopod. Did you know it was the predecessor to the modern cephalopods we know today, the octopus, squid, and cuttlefish?
- Have you ever heard of a Mosasaur? Mosasaurs were a sizeable marine reptile that died out at the end of the Cretaceous period. If you're a fan of Jurassic Park, you may be familiar with the Tylosaurus Mosasaur, which featured in the movie franchise. This 2.5” Mosasaur tooth fossil from Khouribga, Morocco, is around 70 million years old! Talk about a statement piece!
Dinosaur Sculptures
Speaking of Jurassic Park, for the dinosaur fans, we’ve also got a few breathtaking dinosaur sculptures created by world-renowned artist Nelson Maniscalco. Each of these unique dinosaur sculptures features a now-extinct species encased in bronze and set on a pedestal, providing you with the perfect piece of art for your desk, library, or home. Let's take a look at a few of our favorite dinosaur sculptures now!
- Maniscalco’s dinosaur sculptures have been renowned and celebrated for being anatomically accurate and detailed representations of each species, and this bronze velociraptor sculpture is no different! This handmade sculpture measures approximately 4 ¾” by 4 ¾”, with the tallest point measuring 5”.
- If you’re looking for Triceratops dinosaur sculptures to add to your paleo-sculpture collection, look no further than this work of art! It's a strikingly beautiful depiction of the mighty Triceratops and was meticulously handmade by Maniscalco, as well.
- One of our favorite dinosaur sculptures, this replica of the Gallimimus that lived 70 million years ago in modern-day Mongolia, is a beautiful and unique piece for any dinosaur lover! Did you know that adult Gallimimus dinosaurs were approximately 20 feet long, six feet tall, and a whopping 970 pounds? Luckily Maniscalco's dinosaur sculptures aren't true to size so that you can enjoy this replica anywhere in your home!
- Another one of Maniscalco’s famous dinosaur sculptures, this replica of the Deinonychus dinosaur, depicts this gigantic species on a much smaller scale. Dating back to the Cretaceous Period, Deinonychus fossils have been found in modern-day Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Oklahoma!
If dinosaur sculptures aren't your thing, we've got one last collection of fossils that are sure to take your breath away just by their large size—Megalodon teeth.
Megalodon Tooth Relics
We’ve discovered all the wearable Megalodon teeth we have available, but we’re also proud to have an entire collection of Megalodon teeth that have been polished up and are available in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges to fit your collection perfectly. Let's take a look at a few of our favorites in each price point now!
- This Megalodon tooth has not been restored or modified and has a beautiful, natural mottled coloration that makes it a very striking piece. Measuring 3.5” from root to tip, this is a great statement piece to add to any collection.
- Polished on one side with the natural enamel intact on the other, this 4” Megalodon tooth would be an excellent starter shark tooth fossil or a great addition to an already existing collection!
- This 5” Megalodon tooth comes complete with a stand to make an even bigger statement in your home or office. This tooth hasn't been restored, but it has nice edges, an intact black root, and unique red tones!
- This beauty is our favorite Megalodon tooth and for a good reason! From the nice edges, good enamel and intact root to the unique wormholes are the top; this tooth has it all! A great statement piece for a fossil collector, it even comes with a large stand, as well!
Whaler’s Locker: Your Home for Fossils
Here at Whaler's Locker, we're excited to showcase exciting and unique pieces of history. Whether it be a shark tooth necklace, dinosaur sculptures, or a Megalodon tooth, we’ve got something for everyone. Contact us today with any questions you may have as you work to pick out the perfect gift for those special people in your life! We love to work with our customers to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that you'll cherish for years to come. Let us help you today!