Cretoxyrhina mantelli

Cretoxyrhina mantelli Teeth from the Niobrara Chalk, Kansas

s catalog contains exceptional teeth from what is thought to be the earliest ancestor to the Mako and Great White sharks - Cretoxyrhina mantelli, the Ginsu shark (an early Lamnid shark). The Cretoxyrhina sharks were among the largest predators of their time and therefore ruled the Cretaceous seas. These teeth were found in the Niobara Chalk Fm. of Gove County, Kansas which was part of the great inland sea area of North America during the Cretaceous (80-90 million years ago). The Cretoxyrhina mantelli makes a great addition to the evolution of the Mako and Great White sharks collection. These teeth are high quality - extra nice condition and preservation. Our biggest and best selection ever of the scarce species!

Chalk Preservation and Tooth Position

The Niobrara Chalk is a fine marine sediment that settled slowly on the seafloor. Teeth deposited in chalk are not tumbled like teeth in river gravels and beach deposits. Enamel stays sharp, tips remain pointed, and roots are often complete. This is why collectors actively seek Gove County material.

Tooth position also affects appearance. Anterior teeth are taller and narrower. Lateral teeth are broader and more curved. Meanwhile, symphyseal teeth come from the midline at the front of the jaw and are the scarcest of the three positions. A complete collection represents several positions rather than several sizes. Buried Treasure Fossils lists each Cretoxyrhina mantelli tooth individually with its size, condition, and catalog number. Collectors new to the species and wondering what makes fossils genuine should read the full description before ordering.

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FAQs

How is Cretoxyrhina distinguished from Mako? Cretoxyrhina is an early Lamnid, and the two are related, so the crowns can look similar. Age and formation are reliable indicators. Cretoxyrhina teeth come from Upper Cretaceous deposits. Mako teeth come from Miocene and Pliocene deposits. A tooth documented in the Niobrara Chalk of Gove County, Kansas, is Cretoxyrhina, an early Lamnid shark.

What is a symphyseal tooth? A tooth from the symphysis, the midline at the front of the jaw. Symphyseal teeth are smaller and differently proportioned than lateral teeth. Fewer are recovered, which makes them harder to obtain than larger lateral teeth.

Why are the largest teeth frequently out of stock? Large Cretoxyrhina teeth are recovered far less often than small ones. Extra-large examples in near-perfect condition are the scarcest category and sell quickly. Contact us to be notified when new material becomes available.

Does size or condition determine value? Both. A near-perfect tooth of moderate size will often be priced above a larger tooth with a chipped tip or an incomplete root.