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 140 mm (5.45 inches) across, which is a good size for this fossil type. The fossil consists of a complete head and some stem sections with attachment ciiri, all preserved with a high level of detail. It is preserved in calcite with no pyrite. It has been coated in a thin reversible (soluble) lacquer for protection. These crinoid heads are rare and not often offered for sale. It has been backed with a rock-coloured plaster to stabilise it.
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.