A stunning example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 60 mm (2.4 inches) across, which is a good size for this fossil type, and consists of the head of a crinoid with a crown of arms and pinnules preserved flowing over one another on top of multiple stem sections that are visible on the back of the piece. It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts and is preserved in 3D in calcite and iron pyrite. This is a very fine example of this fossil type. Crinoid heads of this quality are very rare. there has been some minor repair with some cracks being consolidated to make it stronger, as is standard for these fossils.
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.