Fossil Collection Must-Haves for Every Enthusiast
From prints of dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period to the shrimp-like trilobites from the Cambrian Period, fossils have been dazzling collectors and animal lovers alike for centuries. Studying fossils provides an in-depth look at Earth’s history, and they can also be extremely fun to collect! Let’s look at some of the must-haves for your fossil collection.
What Are Fossils?
Fossils are the remains of once-living plants and animals preserved in rocks, soil, or amber. There are two different types of fossils: body fossils and trace fossils. Body fossils include all parts of the organism's body, while trace fossils, such as a footprint or a nest, record the activity of a lifeform.
Why Do We Study Fossils?
The study of fossils is called paleontology and is one of the best ways for scientists to learn about the history of life on Earth. Fossils can tell us so much about living things and the environments that surround us. They can teach us where humans and animals came from, provide important information about evolution, and show how plants and animals adapted to their environments.
Must-Haves Fossils for Your Collection
If you want to start a fossil collection or add to an already impressive one, there are a few you’ll have to have. Next time you are shopping for fossils, whether as a gift or for yourself, check out these suggestions:
- Shark teeth fossils
- Mosasaurs fossils
- Ammonites
- Trilobites
Shark Teeth Fossils
When you picture a fossil collection, shark teeth fossils are probably one of the first things that come to mind. Many of us grew up scouring the beach for shells or a shark tooth to commemorate our trips. These fossils provide a primary source of information about the shark species and insight into their evolution, diet, and role in the ecosystem.
Shark teeth symbolize power and protection, so adding one to your fossil collection can benefit you and your space. If you love the look of the shark tooth but aren’t sure about collecting fossils, you could try a shark tooth necklace! From fossilized mako to great white shark pendants, our collection offers many exciting options!
What are Megalodon Teeth?
One of the most sought-after shark teeth fossils is the Megalodon tooth fossil. The Megalodon is an extinct species considered the largest shark to ever exist. Their teeth are similar to those of the modern-day Great White Shark, but they are longer and thicker, allowing them to have a ferocious bite.
The largest Megalodon tooth fossil measures 17.8 cm (6.9 inches), three times longer than the modern great white shark. Although they went extinct by the end of the Pliocene Epoch, scientists continue to be fascinated by this beast and study the teeth fossils for clues of what ocean life was like all those years ago.
Owning a Megalodon Tooth Fossil
Adding a Megalodon tooth to your fossil collection allows you to own an incredible and rare piece of natural history. These fossils are highly sought after due to their unique, one-of-a-kind look and, therefore, will be a fascinating addition to any collection. At Whaler’s Locker, we offer a wide variety of Megalodon teeth fossils, including smaller and larger sizes and polished or untouched options.
The Mosasaurus Marine Reptile
Although commonly mistaken for a shark, the now-extinct Mosasaurus is categorized as a large marine reptile, most closely resembling a lizard. These animals were gigantic in size, with some growing as large as 56 feet long. Their teeth were especially notable because they had an extra set, called pterygoid teeth, that allowed them to swallow prey whole, like a snake.
Mosasaur teeth are a rare and prized item for any fossil collector. We offer an impressive collection of Grade-A Mosasaur teeth sourced from Morocco. However, due to their rarity, they are in high demand and sell quickly, so be sure to purchase as soon as you see one you love!
All About Ammonites
Dating to around 400 million years ago, ammonite fossils are the preserved animal remains of marine animals known as cephalopods. Squid, octopus, and cuttlefish are examples of cephalopods that exist today. Most ammonites died out by the end of the Cretaceous Period, but they remain one of the most commonly collected fossils.
Ammonite fossils are collected for their distinct spiral shape and can vary in size from less than an inch to several feet in diameter. At Whaler’s Locker, we source many of our ammonite fossils from Madagascar, one of the most common places to find them. Choose from a large ammonite fossil to display in your home or a stunning piece of ammonite jewelry to add this historic species to your fossil collection.
Should I Add Trilobites to My Fossil Collection?
Trilobites existed even before dinosaurs and are a group of marine arthropods that lived in the ocean for over 270 million years before going extinct. Because they existed during a precise period, they make excellent index fossils and allow geologists to date the age of rock layers.
The unique shape of the trilobite fossil makes them an eye-catching addition to a fossil collection. Plus, they make the perfect gift for any history buff in your life! If you are searching for a trilobite fossil versus purchasing one online, it is important to note that it is very rare to find one fully intact.
Purchasing Fossils Online
When purchasing from Whaler’s Locker, you can always guarantee that our fossils are authentic and high-quality. However, when shopping for fossils online, it is always important to remember a few key things:
- Research the seller and look for positive reviews
- Ask questions about the fossil’s condition, restoration details, and any concerns you may have
- Request detailed high-res images if they are not available
- Consider professional appraisal for valuable fossils
A fossil collection is an excellent way to showcase your appreciation for history and the environments that came before us! We are proud to offer such a wide variety of beautiful fossils at Whaler’s Locker. We are continually adding new finds to our fossil collection, so be sure to check back regularly.