fossil
Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix
Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea
Hardness: 3 (calcite) to 7 (silicified matrix); Color: Gray, tan, buff; Luster: Dull or earthy; Structure: Segmented cylindrical columnals; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.7
- Hardness
- 3 (calcite) to 7 (silicified matrix)
- Color
- Gray, tan, buff
- Luster
- Dull or earthy
Identified More fossil →
Explore Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (calcite) to 7 (silicified matrix); Color: Gray, tan, buff; Luster: Dull or earthy; Structure: Segmented cylindrical columnals; Specific Gravity: Approx 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the permineralization of marine animals known as sea lilies. These specimens typically date back to the Paleozoic era (approx. 250-500 million years ago) and formed in shallow, reef-rich prehistoric seas.
Uses & applications
Educational specimens, fossil collecting, lapidary use (such as 'fossil marble'), and geological research.
Geological facts
Crinoids are actually animals related to starfish and sea urchins, not plants, despite their 'sea lily' nickname. Their fossilized stem segments are often called 'Indian beads' or 'St. Cuthbert's beads'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for segmented, bolt-like, or gear-shaped impressions in sedimentary rock. Commonly found in limestone outcrops and along Great Lakes shorelines (e.g., Lake Michigan and Lake Huron).
More like this
Other fossil specimens
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
Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems
Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils
sedimentary