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 45 mm (1.8 inches) across and consists of multiple stem sections with tentacle-like attachment cirri (used by the animals to hold onto one another). It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts and is preserved in 3D. This is a very fine example of this fossil type and is preserved in solid calcite. Crinoid heads of this quality are rare.
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.