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 86 mm (3.4 inches) across, which is large for this fossil type, and consists of a large crinoid stem with tentacle-like attachment cirri protruding from it. It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts. This is a very fine example of this fossil type and would have come from a larger colony of crinoids. It is preserved in calcite and a small crack in the matrix has been stabilised.
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.