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 115 mm (4.5 inches) across, which is large for a single piece of crinoid like this. The fossil consists of a near-complete individual preserved with great three-dimensional detail including the head with a crown of arms and pinnules and stem with amazing tentacle-like cirri, and another two stem sections. It is preserved in calcite with no pyrite. 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.