fossil

Crinoid stem fossil

Crinoidea

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically composed of calcite, exhibiting a segmented, cylindrical structure. Colors vary based on replacement minerals, often gray, tan, or brown. Hardness usually around 3 (calcite).

Identified September 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Typically composed of calcite, exhibiting a segmented, cylindrical structure. Colors vary based on replacement minerals, often gray, tan, or brown. Hardness usually around 3 (calcite).

Formation & geological history

Fossilized remains of marine echinoderms, commonly formed in shallow marine environments from the Paleozoic era (especially Mississippian).

Uses & applications

Mainly collected by fossil enthusiasts; sometimes used in jewelry making (as 'Indian beads').

Geological facts

Crinoids are also known as 'sea lilies' despite being animals. The stems are made of stacked disk-like ossicles.

Field identification & locations

Identified by their distinctive stack-of-disks appearance, often found in limestone deposits worldwide.

Other fossil specimens

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

sedimentary

Fossiliferous limestone

Bioclastic carbonate rock; predominantly calcite (CaCO₃), with fossil shell fragments

sedimentary

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary

Weathered fossiliferous limestone

Calcitic limestone; predominantly calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), commonly containing fossil fragments

sedimentary

Crinoid Stem Fossils (Indian Beads / St. Cuthbert's Beads)

Crinoid columnal ossicles (phylum Echinodermata)

fossil