A good example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 78 mm (3.1 inches) across, which is a good size for a crinoid from this location. The fossil consists of multiple stems with attachment cirri. The remains are from several large individual crinoids that lived together in a colony. It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts. It has a natural layer of pyrite on the surface giving it a golden metallic colour and shine. It was found in two pieces and has been repaired back together, as is standard for these delicate fossils. This is a very fine example of this fossil type with some of the finest detail we have seen.
Around 196 million years old, this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.
Crinoids are echinoderms closely related to starfish and sea urchins, and have been around for many hundreds of millions of years. They still live today in the deep seas around the world.