This listing features a genuine Paraorthacodus clarkii shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This exceptionally preserved specimen was discovered at Beltinge, Kent, UK, a renowned fossil site known for producing high-quality shark teeth and other marine fossils from the early Cenozoic.
Paraorthacodus clarkii was an extinct species of cartilaginous fish, related to modern cow sharks and catsharks. Unlike some of the more commonly found lamniform sharks of the Eocene, Paraorthacodus belonged to a group known for their benthic, bottom-dwelling lifestyle, feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and slow-moving fish in the warm, shallow seas of the early Paleogene.
This shark’s teeth are distinctive for their:
🔹 Blunt, rounded central cusp—designed for crushing hard-shelled prey
🔹 Well-developed lateral cusplets—providing additional strength and stability
🔹 Robust enamel structure—ensuring durability over millions of years
This particular specimen exhibits exceptional preservation, with a well-defined cusp, intact lateral cusplets, and finely preserved enamel, making it a fantastic addition to any fossil collection.
✅ Species: Paraorthacodus clarkii
✅ Fossil Type: Shark Tooth
✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds
✅ Geological Age: Paleocene-Eocene (~56 million years old)
✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK
✅ Collection: Alice Purnell Collection – One of the world’s largest ammonite collections
The Woolwich Beds are a key fossil-bearing deposit from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary, a time of major environmental change and marine evolution following the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. These deposits, formed in shallow coastal and estuarine environments, provide critical insights into the recovery and diversification of early sharks and other marine species. Fossils from this formation help paleontologists understand how marine ecosystems adapted during this transitional period.
🔹 Rare British Shark Tooth – Paraorthacodus clarkii fossils are far less common than those of other Eocene shark species.
🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Displays a robust cusp, well-defined lateral cusplets, and high-quality enamel.
🔹 Museum-Quality Specimen – Sourced from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection.
🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – 100% genuine fossil, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
📏 Scale Rule / Cube = 1cm – Please see photos for full sizing details.
📸 What You See Is What You Get – The specimen in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.
This rare British Eocene shark tooth is a must-have for fossil collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse shark species of the early Cenozoic era.
💎 Don’t miss this opportunity to own a scientifically significant and highly collectible fossil!