A stunning and rare example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 145 mm (5.65 inches) across, which is a very good size for this fossil type. The fossil consists of several complete crinoids with stems and heads preserved running across the plate with great detail. It is beautifully preserved with a high level of detail in the arms and pinnules and is preserved in calcite. Many hours of painstaking preparation have gone into this fossil and the results are stunning. It has been coated with a soluble (removable) varnish for protection and has a plaster backing. These crinoid heads are rare and not often offered for sale. This is a truly one-off example.
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.