A stunning and rare example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites fossilis from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures a massive 312 mm (12.3 inches) across, which is very large for a crinoid fossil from this location. It is also very thick and chunky for a crinoid from here, measuring 35 mm at the thickest point. The fossil consists of multiple crinoids preserved together in a large colony, with details from the arms and pinnules of several heads exposed and well preserved with a high degree of three dimensionality. It is preserved in limestone with a layer of pyrite on the surface giving it a subtle golden colour. It was found in multiple pieces and has been repaired back together and backed with a rock-coloured plaster,as is standard with these large crinoid fossils. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days. A real one-off fossil for the discerning collector. It is a heavy fossil for its size, weighing 1825 grams.
Around 196 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.