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 89 mm (3.5 inches) across, which is a good size for this fossil type. The fossil consists of a complete head with a crown of arms and pinnules all preserved in exquisite detail. It is preserved in calcite with no pyrite and 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 painted plaster to stabilise it and some missing sections of the head have been repaired with the original rock it was found in.
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.