Rare big complete crinoid on driftwood fossil (200 mm)

Rare big complete crinoid on driftwood fossil (200 mm)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 200 mm (7. 87 inches) across and consists of a colony of crinoids still attached to the driftwood on which they lived in the Jurassic seas. There are multiple crinoids, one of which shows a complete head with great detail in the arms, pinnules, and calyx, and is draped over the

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 200 mm (7.87 inches) across and consists of a colony of crinoids still attached to the driftwood on which they lived in the Jurassic seas. There are multiple crinoids, one of which shows a complete head with great detail in the arms, pinnules, and calyx, and is draped over the side of the driftwood in 3D, which is very unusual in these fossils and really brings this piece to life. It is preserved in limestone on wood (lignite) with no pyrite. It has been coated with a soluble (removable) lacquer and backed with a rock-coloured plaster for protection. Crinoids from this location still attached to driftwood are very rare and sought after and not easy to find. The whole piece weighs 315 grams. This is a real one-off fossil for the collector of fine fossils.

Around 196 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.