This auction is for a stunning example of a crinoid fossil of the species Pentacrinites dorecki from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Lyme Regis, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 101 mm (4 inches) across, which is a good size for this fossil type. The fossil consists of a single head preserved with great detail. It is beautifully preserved in calcite with immaculate detail in the arms and pinnules. This is the rarer species within the genus Pentacrinites, and it comes from a much older layer in the Blue Lias Formation rather than the younger P. fossilis, which comes from the Charmouth Mudstone Formation. It has been coated in a thin reversible (soluble) lacquer for protection. These crinoid heads are rare and not often offered for sale and this species is virtually never available to buy. A real one-off and rare fossil and an important specimen for the collector of crinoids.
Around 199 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), 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.