Venice, FL, is known as the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World" due to its abundance of fossilized shark teeth found along its beaches. Millions of years ago, the area was submerged underwater, home to various species of sharks. As these ancient sharks died, their teeth settled into the sediment at the sea floor. Over time, geological changes and rising sea levels exposed these fossil-rich layers, washing them ashore. The black and brown fossilized teeth, dating back millions of years, are remnants of these prehistoric creatures, offering a glimpse into Florida’s ancient marine history.

The beaches here are renowned for their abundance of fossilized shark teeth, drawing enthusiasts and casual collectors alike.

HOW TO USE A SAND-SIFTER:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Sand Sifter: A mesh screen with a handle, often square or rectangular, used to sift through sand. Purchase one in the Earth Treasures store!

Bucket or Bag: To hold your findings.

Shovel or Scoop: To gather sand and shells into your sifter.

Water Shoes: Optional, but useful for comfort and safety in the water.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose Your Spot: Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Brohard Beach are popular spots for finding shark teeth. Look for areas where the water has receded, revealing wet sand and shell deposits. The best times are after a storm or during low tide when the water has shifted sand and shells around.

Gather Material: Use your shovel or scoop to collect a mixture of sand, shells, and debris. Focus on the areas where waves have deposited large amounts of shells.

Load the Sifter: Place the sand and shell mixture into your sand sifter. Do not overfill, as it will make it harder to sift.

Sift Through the Sand: Hold the sifter over the water and gently shake it back and forth. The fine sand will fall through the mesh, leaving behind larger items like shells, rocks, and (hopefully) shark teeth.

Inspect Your Findings: Carefully check what's left in the sifter. Shark teeth are often small, black or dark brown, and triangular in shape and some are very tiny. You may need to rinse off the debris to see the teeth more clearly.

Repeat: Continue gathering sand and sifting until you’ve covered a good area. Be patient; it may take time to find your first tooth, but persistence usually pays off.

Store Your Shark Teeth: Place any teeth you find in your bucket or a small container. Rinse them off once you're done and let them dry to appreciate and show off your collection! We have lots of unique Shark tooth holders and displays for purchase at Earth Treasures!

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

Look for Black: Fossilized shark teeth are usually black, gray, or dark brown, making them stand out against lighter sand.

Use the Right Sifter: A sifter with a fine enough mesh to catch small teeth but large enough to let sand pass through easily is ideal.

Time of Day: Early morning is often the best time to search, as fewer people have disturbed the sand.

 

Enjoy your hunt for prehistoric treasures on the shores of Venice, FL!