fossil
Crinoid Stem Fossil
Class Crinoidea (Echinodermata)
Hardness: 3 (calcite); Color: Tan, grey, or white; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Columnal disks with a central hole (lumen); Cleavage: Rhombohedral (on individual crystals)
- Hardness
- 3 (calcite)
- Color
- Tan, grey, or white
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 (calcite); Color: Tan, grey, or white; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Columnal disks with a central hole (lumen); Cleavage: Rhombohedral (on individual crystals)
Formation & geological history
Formed from the calcified skeletal remains of marine animals related to starfish. Most specimens date from the Paleozoic era (541 to 252 million years ago) in shallow seabed environments.
Uses & applications
Scientific research, educational use, and popular collector items for fossil enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Crinoids are known as 'sea lilies' because they look like flowers, but they are actually animals. Their stems break apart into small disks called columnals, which were sometimes used as beads or 'fairy money' in folklore.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for stacked donut-shaped rings or individual star/circle shaped disks in limestone outcrops. Extremely common in the Midwest USA and UK.
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