fossil
Crinoid Fossil in Limestone
Crinoidea (class) in Fossiliferous Limestone
Hardness: 3-4 (matrix), color: tan, grey, and reddish-brown, luster: dull/earthy, structure: circular/columnar segments (ossicles), cleavage: rhombohedral in calcite crystals.
Identified More fossil →
Explore Crinoid Fossil in Limestone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (matrix), color: tan, grey, and reddish-brown, luster: dull/earthy, structure: circular/columnar segments (ossicles), cleavage: rhombohedral in calcite crystals.
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow marine environments where crinoids (sea lilies) lived on the ocean floor. The segmented stems disintegrated and were buried in calcium carbonate mud, typically during the Paleozoic era (approx. 250-500 million years ago).
Uses & applications
Educational specimens, fossil collecting, decorative stones, and scientific research into paleo-environments.
Geological facts
Crinoids are nicknamed 'sea lilies' because of their plant-like appearance, but they are actually echinoderms, related to starfish and sea urchins. In some cultures, the disc-shaped stem segments are known as 'fairy stones' or 'St. Cuthbert\'s beads'.
Field identification & locations
Look for small, stacked circular or star-shaped discs embedded in a sedimentary matrix. Commonly found in areas with exposed Paleozoic limestone, such as the Midwestern United States, parts of Europe, and North Africa.
More like this
Other fossil specimens
Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix
Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea
fossil
Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)
Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Fossiliferous Calcilutite / Biomicrite
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone
Biogenic Limestone with Brachiopod/Crinoid fragments
sedimentary
Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone
Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix
fossil
Fossiliferous Limestone
Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section
sedimentary