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 71 mm (2.8 inches) across and consists of the partial head of a crinoid with a crown of arms and pinnules preserved flowing over one another on one side, and several stems and a rare 3D calyx (head-attachment plate) on the other side. It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts. This is a very fine example of this fossil type. It is preserved in calcite.
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.