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 216 mm (8.35 inches) across, which is large for a crinoid fossil from this location. The fossil consists of a colony of crinoids preserved together in a mass with good detail in the exposed stems, arms, and pinnules. It has a nice three-dimensional quality to it, showing how the crinoids were preserved flowing over one another in the colony. There is one especially nice large 3D crinoid head on the side of the piece that includes a very unusual calyx (mouth part) preserved top down, showing a distinctive 3D geometric pattern.
It is preserved in limestone with no pyrite. Many hours of preparation have gone into this specimen. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days. It weighs 875 grams.
These colonies lived in the Jurassic seas attached to pieces of floating driftwood. Finding a colony like this is rare on the Coast.
Around 196 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.