The Megalodon was a shark that lived millions of years ago and roamed the seas. It left behind some fascinating artifacts. The megalodon tooth is one of these artifacts that people want.
It’s hard to find and very valuable for fossil hunters and fans. Some of the best places to find these megalodon teeth are in North Carolina, especially along the coast.
Our article has everything you need to know to help you search. There are useful tips in this piece about where to find these teeth, how to find fossils, and the exciting science behind these ancient treasures.
No matter how experienced or interested you are in fossil hunting, our help is meant to improve your time and increase your chances of finding a prehistoric marvel!
What Megalodon Tooth Is
Megalodon teeth are fossils of the teeth of the Megalodon shark, a huge ancient animal that lived between 23 and 3.6 million years ago. These teeth are very big, sometimes as big as a person’s hand.
They are triangular and have a sharp edge that helped the Megalodon catch and eat its food. Not only are the teeth big, but they are also very strong. They tell us a lot about the Megalodon.
Researchers look at these teeth to learn more about the shark’s size, what it eats, and how it hunts. Over millions of years, teeth have changed from bone to stone because they are fossils.
Most of the time, megalodon teeth are found where the ocean used to be but is now land. Megalodon lived in the ocean, and when it lost its teeth, they fell to the bottom of the ocean.
These old teeth are often found in riverbeds, in layers of sand along the coast, and even on beaches after storms. Fossil hunters and fans of fossils find them very interesting.
- The deep experience and understanding of our team about the area
- Recommendations from local groups and clubs
- How easy it is to get the a particular location
- Safety and potential hazards when collecting
- Weighing private and public locations
- The ability for both experienced and novice enthusiasts to find great samples
With these factors in mind we’ve been able to put together a fantastic list that just about anyone can use!
The Best Places To Find Megalodon Tooth In North Carolina
Let us talk about where in the state you can find the best specimens of megalodon teeth. There are lots of places to find gems in North Carolina, but only a few good places to find megalodon tooth.
Always Confirm Access and Collection Rules!
Before heading out to any of the locations on our list you need to confirm access requirements and collection rules for both public and private locations.
These requirements are subject to change without notice and may differ from what we state below.
Always get updated information directly from the source ahead of time to ensure responsible rockhounding.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a beautiful group of coastal islands in the state. The area has a lot of history and different kinds of natural beauty.
People love this national seashore for its beautiful lighthouse, clean beaches, and many kinds of wildlife, such as wild horses.
People like to go there to do things outside, like fishing, hiking, and camping. But Cape Lookout is really unique because it’s known as a great place to find Megalodon teeth.
Megalodon, a huge prehistoric shark, lived in this area millions of years ago, when it was under the water of ancient seas. Over time, these huge sharks’ teeth fell to the ocean floor, were buried, and turned into fossils.
Today, the shifting sands and tides at Cape Lookout sometimes find these gems and bring them to the surface.
Where we found megalodon tooth at Cape Lookout National Seashore
The key areas to explore are the beaches and shoreline, especially after storms or high tides. These natural events can stir up the sand and sediment, bringing hidden fossils to the surface.
The tools every geode hunter will need
When you're out looking for geodes having the right tools for the job is very important. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.
We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced geode hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.
Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.
At a minimum you should have:
1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard
2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set
3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well
4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill
5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable
6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to
7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect
The geode-finding books that we use most
There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:
National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America
Southeast Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide
Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant
We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a lively and friendly beach town known for its fun pier, beautiful sandy beaches, and family-friendly vibe.
This lively beach town has lots of things to do, from enjoying classic beach games and tasty seafood to exploring the nearby state park.
People love to swim, lay out in the sun, and build sandcastles there because the warm water and the beaches are clean and big.
When looking for fossils, the best times are after a storm or at low tide, when the ocean has moved the sands and may have revealed hidden fossils.
Finding a Megalodon tooth takes some time and luck, but the thrill of finding a piece of ancient history makes Carolina Beach a great place for fossil hunters and people who are just interested in the natural world.
Where we found megalodon tooth at Carolina Beach
While walking along the beach, look around to see where the waves have left shells and other ocean finds. The beach will be less busy and the light may make it easier to see strange shapes early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle is a beautiful, peaceful beach spot along the Crystal Coast. It’s a great place for children and nature lovers because the water is emerald green and the beaches are wide and soft.
People who go to Emerald Isle can do many things outside, like swimming, fishing, and boating in the calm water.
As a result of having less commercial growth than other beach towns, the town has a calm atmosphere that makes it perfect for people who want to relax at the beach.
One exciting thing about Emerald Isle is that Megalodon teeth might be found there. Megalodon was a huge prehistoric shark that lived in the seas.
These fossilized teeth come from it. The water around Emerald Isle used to be a part of this ancient marine environment.
Where we found megalodon tooth at Emerald Isle
Walk along the beach, especially where the waves and tides have left behind shells and other sea junk. Sometimes, the teeth are mixed in with the rocks, shells, and other natural things.
North Topsail Beach
One of the best seaside spots in the state is North Topsail Beach, which is easy to miss. This quiet beach town has miles of soft, sandy beaches where you can take long walks, lay out in the sun, and build sandcastles.
This place is calm and relaxing, making it perfect for families and people who want to get away from the chaos of busy beach towns.
North Topsail Beach is a peaceful place that many people like to visit for fishing, swimming, and taking in the beautiful views of the ocean.
The fact that Megalodon teeth might be found at North Topsail Beach makes it a very interesting place to visit. Megalodon was a huge prehistoric shark that lived in the seas around the world.
The state’s coast, including the water near North Topsail Beach, was once a part of this marine setting.
Where we found megalodon tooth at North Topsail Beach
Look in areas where the sand is coarser, as heavier objects like Megalodon teeth are more likely to settle there compared to finer sand areas.
Also explore close to the water’s edge, especially during low tide when more of the beach is exposed, and hidden items can be uncovered.
Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach is a cute and lively beach town known for its warm, sandy sands and clear blue water.
Both locals and visitors love this busy beach because it has so many fun things to do, like surfing, paddleboarding, and jogging along the beautiful loop.
Wrightsville Beach is also known for its lively pier and wide range of restaurants where you can eat fresh fish and take in the view of the sunset.
Megalodon teeth could be found at Wrightsville Beach, which makes it an interesting place for fossil hunters. These teeth are from the Megalodon, a huge dinosaur shark that lived millions of years ago and swam in the seas.
These sharls used to live and lose their teeth in the area around Wrightsville Beach, which is now a beach. Over time, these teeth turned into fossils that you can sometimes find on the beach.
Where we found megalodon tooth at Wrightsville Beach
When you go to Wrightsville Beach, the best thing to do to find megalodon teeth is walk around the beach, especially after a storm or when the tide is high. The waves can bring up a lot of things, including fossils.
Other Great Places To Find Megalodon Tooth
You should always keep an eye out for megalodon teeth when you walk along rivers and beaches. You might also find this list of places, broken down by county, useful.
Our recommendations by county
| County | Location |
| Beaufort | Yorktown Formation |
| Horry | Myrtle Beach |
Common Megalodon Tooth Questions
When people want to search for megalodon tooth in North Carolina, this is what they usually ask.
Is it illegal to collect megalodon tooth in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, it’s usually okay to collect Megalodon teeth, especially on public beaches where fossil hunting is common as a fun exercise.
If you’re on private property, you need the landowner’s permission to collect fossils, including Megalodon teeth.
Some areas, such as state parks or national seashores, may have specific rules and regulations regarding fossil collection. In these areas, collecting any natural or historical artifacts might be restricted or require a permit.
Even where collecting is allowed, it’s important to do so responsibly. This means not disturbing wildlife or natural habitats, and not taking large quantities of fossils, as this can impact the environment and the enjoyment of others.
The Best Places To Buy Megalodon Fossils in North Carolina
You can use this list to find megalodon teeth without having to get dirty or work hard. Here are some of the best places in the state to find megalodon teeth and buy them:
- Artisan Jewelers Gemstone & Mineral Gallery – 3348 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, United States
- Asheville Gem Mine – 55 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
- Gem Avenue – 400 E Arrowhead Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213, United States
- Mineralogy at Southpoint – 6910 Fayetteville Rd #109, Durham, NC 27713, United States
- Treasure Quest Mining – 414 Upchurch St, Apex, NC 27502, United States
