fossil
Crinoid Stem Fossil
Crinoid (Class Crinoidea)
Cylindrical or disc-shaped segments (columnals), often with a central hole. Hardness: 3 (calcified), color: brown to gray, luster: dull/earthy, structure: segmented.
- Color
- brown to gray, luster: dull/earthy, structure: segmented
- Luster
- dull/earthy, structure: segmented
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Physical properties
Cylindrical or disc-shaped segments (columnals), often with a central hole. Hardness: 3 (calcified), color: brown to gray, luster: dull/earthy, structure: segmented.
Formation & geological history
Formed in shallow marine environments from the Paleozoic era (approx. 250-500 million years ago) through the mineralization of marine animal stems.
Uses & applications
Used for educational study, amateur fossil collecting, and occasionally in jewelry as 'lucky stones' or 'Indian beads'.
Geological facts
Crinoidea are marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins. Although they look like plants and are often called 'sea lilies', they are actually echinoderms.
Field identification & locations
Identified by stackable disc patterns or stars in cross-section. Commonly found in limestone beds, creek beds, and sedimentary outcrops globally.
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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone
Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix
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Fossiliferous Limestone
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