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 140 mm (5.45 inches) across, which is a good size for a crinoid fossil from this location. The fossil consists of multiple crinoids in a colony, with lots of stems with tentacle-like cirri flowing across one another in 3D. The level of detail in the crinoids is exceptional.
It is preserved in limestone with a thin layer of pyrite on the surface giving it a nice metallic shine. Many hours of preparation have gone into this specimen. These crinoids are very sought after and not easy to find these days. It weighs 168 grams.
These colonies lived in the Jurassic seas attached to pieces of floating driftwood. Finding an example 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.