Description:

Ancient Seas, Miocene to Pliocene eras, ca. 22 to 4.5 million years ago. Two fossilized teeth from a prehistoric sperm whale that have a lovely conical shape with a dark gray and black luster. What is most impressive about these teeth is that the solid roots are three times larger than the enamel, and they are what makes up the largest portion of these teeth! The huge roots anchored these teeth firmly to the upper and lower jaws of the prehistoric species of sperm whales; interestingly modern sperm whales only have teeth on the lower jaw. These massive creatures feasted on giant squid and had few rivals, other than the giant prehistoric megalodon shark. Fossilized sperm whale teeth are rare and are even scarcer than megalodon teeth, because unlike sharks, toothed whales did not replace their teeth, hence the scarcity. Size (gray tooth): 6.5" L x 1.25" W (16.5 cm x 3.2 cm); (black tooth): 6" L x 1.75" W (15.2 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: private southwestern Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired prior to 2000

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#144790

  • Condition: Stable fissures from fossilization process. Pitting to the surface of one. Losses to tip of root on black one and losses to enamel of both. Mineral deposits on both.

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April 1, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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