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 piece of shale rock measures 125 mm (4.9 inches) across and contains two crinoid heads with well-preserved crowns of arms and pinnules, which is very rare for a crinoid of this size from this location. This fossil is even more unusual due to the it still being preserved in the limestone shale rock matrix in which it was found. The shale from this location is hard to stabilise and so most crinoids from here are free of any shale. In this specimen however, the shale has been stabilised and backed with plaster. The crinoids are preserved in iron pyrite, giving them a dark metallic shine. The shale also has a cut-flat base to allow it to stand freely for display. A rare opportunity to own a very sought after and uncommon fossil from this iconic location. It weighs 265 grams.
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.