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 66 mm (2.6 inches) across and consists of some lovely tentacle-like cirri (used by the crinoids to attach themselves toe one another and to pieces of driftwood). It has an extremely high level of detail down to the smallest parts This is a very fine example of this fossil type and is preserved in calcite with a layer of golden pyrite on the surface. Crinoid heads of this quality are rare. Pyrite examples that shine like this are especially sought after.
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.