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 232 mm (9.13 inches) across which is large for a crinoid fossil from this location. The fossil consists of multiple long stem sections underneath the arms and pinnules from the heads of the animals. It is preserved in limestone with a layer of pyrite on the surface. It has been set into a rock-coloured plaster. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days, and large examples like this are even rarer. It weighs 790 grams.
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.