A stunning, large example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 180 mm (7.1 inches) across, which is big for a crinoid fossil from this location. The fossil consists of multiple stem sections with detailed attachment cirri and lots of flowing arms and pinnules from multiple heads. The level of detail on this example is exceptional, right down to the micro level. It is preserved in calcite with no pyrite. It has been backed with rock-coloured plaster for stability and coated in a thin, reversible (soluble) lacquer for protection. This is a very fine example of this fossil type. It weighs 385 grams.
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.