A rare and large example of a pyritised crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 270 mm (10.5 inches) across which is very big for a crinoid fossil from this location. The fossil consists of multiple crinoids in a single colony, all preserved with great 3D detail. There are several complete animals showing the full anatomy of stem, attachment cirri and head with crowns of arms and pinnules, and there are many further stems with attachment cirri. The cirri have a wonderful metallic sheen and silvery/light golden colour. It is preserved in limestone with a thin layer of pyrite on the surface. The back of the fossil has been coated in a hard plaster which matches the original rock the fossil was preserved in, making it very strong and stable. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days. A real one-off fossil for the serious collector.
Around 196 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection