A good example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 47 mm (1.88 inches) across. The fossil consists of a near-complete crinoid with stem section and attachment cirri along with the head with flowing arms and pinnules seemingly frozen in time. It is unusually preserved in 3D, with an extremely high level of detail. The fossil has been coated in a thin reversible (soluble) lacquer for protection. This is a very fine example of this fossil type.
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.