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 32 mm (1.3 inches) across, which is small for this fossil type and so likely a juvenile, and consists of a partial head of a crinoid with a crown of arms and pinnules preserved on one side and some stunning stem sections on the reverse that show off the five-pointed star-shaped cross section that gives this genus its name. It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts. Crinoid heads of this quality are rare. It is preserved in calcite and has been coated in a reversible (soluble) lacquer for protection. A small crack in the fossil has been stabilised with glue.
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.