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 97 mm (3.2 inches) across, which is large for a single piece of crinoid like this. The fossil consists of large partial head with a crown of arms and pinnules. It is preserved in calcite with no pyrite and show a high degree of three dimensionality. It has been coated with a soluble (removable) lacquer for protection. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days, and large examples like this are uncommon.
Around 196 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), 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.