Spinosaurus teeth are some of the most popular dinosaur fossils on the market, and also some of the most often misidentified. Crocodilian teeth, broken theropod teeth and heavily restored specimens all turn up under the Spinosaurus label. Learning to identify a Spinosaurus tooth yourself is the best way to buy with confidence.
This step-by-step guide covers the features that matter, the look-alikes to rule out and the signs of restoration to check before you buy.
Step 1: Start with the locality
Nearly all Spinosaurus teeth sold to collectors come from the Kem Kem beds of southeastern Morocco. These river deposits date to roughly 100 to 95 million years ago, in the middle of the Cretaceous.
A tooth labelled Spinosaurus should come from the Kem Kem or a similar North African locality of the right age. If a seller lists an unrelated country or formation, ask questions before buying.
Step 2: Check the overall shape
Spinosaurus teeth are conical. They are tall and fairly straight, sometimes with a gentle curve, and they taper evenly to a point.
Most other large meat-eating dinosaurs, such as Carcharodontosaurus, have flattened, blade-like teeth that curve backward. If a tooth looks like a knife blade, it is not a Spinosaurus tooth.
Step 3: Look at the cross-section
Look at the base of the tooth or imagine slicing it across the middle. A Spinosaurus tooth is round or slightly oval in cross-section. It is not flattened from side to side.
This rounded shape gave the teeth strength and helped them grip prey without slicing.
Step 4: Find the flutes
The flutes are the single most useful identification feature. Spinosaurus teeth carry long, fine, parallel ridges that run down the length of the crown. On many teeth they cover both sides; on others they are clearer on one side.
Use a 10x loupe and good side lighting to see them clearly. Well-preserved flutes are a strong sign of a genuine Spinosaurus tooth.
Step 5: Examine the edges
Spinosaurus teeth have a ridge (carina) running down the front and back edges. Unlike most theropods, these edges carry very small serrations or no visible serrations at all.
If you see large, coarse, chisel-shaped serrations along the edges, you are probably looking at a different predator, such as Carcharodontosaurus or an abelisaurid.
Step 6: Check the enamel texture
Spinosaurus enamel often has a fine, slightly granular or wrinkled texture between the flutes. Colours range from light tan and grey to brown and nearly black, depending on the minerals in the surrounding sediment. Natural variation in colour along the tooth is normal.
Step 7: Rule out the look-alikes
Two groups of teeth are most often confused with Spinosaurus.
Crocodilian teeth. The Kem Kem was home to several crocodile relatives, and their teeth are the most common mix-up. Crocodilian teeth are usually shorter, stouter and more strongly curved. They often have a more swollen base, smoother enamel and lack the long, regular flutes of Spinosaurus.
Other fish-eating reptiles. Some long-snouted reptiles and plesiosaurs also had slender, conical teeth. These are less common in the Kem Kem but can turn up in mixed lots.
When in doubt, compare the tooth with confirmed examples in the Spinosaurus teeth collection and with the river reptiles in the pterosaurs, sauropods and crocodiles category.
Step 8: Check for restoration
Many Spinosaurus teeth are found cracked or broken. Preparators often glue cracks, fill gaps and sometimes rebuild the tip or base.
To spot restoration, look for sudden changes in colour, shine or texture, especially near the tip. Check for areas where the flutes stop abruptly or look painted on. Shine a UV light on the tooth, because many glues and fillers glow differently from original fossil. Inspect the base, since a perfect, smooth “root” on a shed tooth deserves a closer look.
Restoration does not make a tooth fake, but it should always be disclosed by the seller.
Step 9: Buy from a specialist
The surest protection is a dealer who identifies teeth carefully and describes condition honestly. Buried Treasure Fossils lists size and condition details with its specimens and guarantees authenticity. Learn more on the About Us page.
Frequently asked questions
1. How can you tell if a tooth is from a Spinosaurus?
Look for a tall, conical tooth with a round cross-section, long parallel flutes and very small or no serrations, from the Kem Kem beds of Morocco.
2. What is the difference between a Spinosaurus tooth and a crocodile tooth?
Spinosaurus teeth are taller, straighter and strongly fluted. Crocodile teeth are usually shorter, more curved and have smoother enamel without long, regular flutes.
3. Do Spinosaurus teeth have serrations?
Only very small ones, or none that are easily visible. Large serrations suggest a different predator.
4. Are restored Spinosaurus teeth real?
Yes. They are genuine fossils with repairs. The repairs should be disclosed, and less restoration is better.
Identify with confidence
Once you know the shape, the flutes and the edges, Spinosaurus teeth become easy to recognise. Combine those checks with a careful look for restoration, and you will buy better teeth every time. Explore genuine examples in the Spinosaurus tooth collection at Buried Treasure Fossils.