Rock Identifier

fossil

Crinoid Stem Fossil

Crinoid columnal (Echinodermata)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies around 3 on the Mohs scale depending on the replacing mineral, usually calcite. Colors range from white, grey, to tan with a vitreous to dull luster.

Identified October 18, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness varies around 3 on the Mohs scale depending on the replacing mineral, usually calcite. Colors range from white, grey, to tan with a vitreous to dull luster.

Formation & geological history

Formed when marine crinoid echinoderms died and their segmented skeletal stems were buried in sediment, typically during the Paleozoic era.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as educational specimens, collector items, and occasionally in lapidary work or jewelry.

Geological facts

Commonly referred to as 'Indian beads' or 'st. cuthbert beads', these ancient fossils often weather out of limestone or shale formations.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the distinctive circular or pentagonal shape with a central hole, commonly found in sedimentary rock outcrops worldwide.

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Probable fossil-bearing rock or mineral concretion

Unidentified carbonate-rich concretion with a possible fossil inclusion

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Likely fossil oyster shell

Fossilized bivalve shell; exact species cannot be identified from the image

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea) — fossil

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

Fossiliferous limestone (likely a crinoidal or shell-fragment limestone) (Bioclastic limestone, composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)) — sedimentary

Fossiliferous limestone (likely a crinoidal or shell-fragment limestone)

Bioclastic limestone, composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)

Porous limestone pebble (Calcite-rich limestone (primarily CaCO₃); exact identification is uncertain from the image) — sedimentary

Porous limestone pebble

Calcite-rich limestone (primarily CaCO₃); exact identification is uncertain from the image

Fossil oyster shell (Oyster (family Ostreidae); shell composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)) — fossil

Fossil oyster shell

Oyster (family Ostreidae); shell composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)