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 143 mm (5.6 inches) across making it large for this fossil type. The fossil is very well preserved with a large near-complete head exposed with a crown of arms and pinnules. It has a good level of three dimensionality. It is preserved in limestone with a thin layer of pyrite on the surface giving it a golden shine and has been backed with a rock-coloured plaster for stability. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days and this one is a very fine example and has a high level of detail for these fossils. It was found in multiple pieces while diving off of the Jurassic Coast and has been repaired back together, which is common with these larger crinoid fossils. It weighs 228 grams. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days, and large examples like this are even rarer.
Around 196 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.