fossil

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

Crinoid columnal ossicles (phylum Echinodermata)

Hardness: 3 (calcite); Color: Tan, grey, brown, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (calcite composition); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 (calcite)
Color: Tan, grey, brown, or white
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified August 3, 2026More fossil →

Explore Crinoid Stem Fossils (Indian Beads / St. Cuthbert's Beads) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 (calcite); Color: Tan, grey, brown, or white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (calcite composition); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization of marine invertebrate animals known as crinoids (sea lilies) that lived primarily during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras (over 300 to 400 million years ago). When they died, their stalk segments typically separated and became incorporated into limestone and shale formations.

Uses & applications

Used historically in folklore and jewelry as beads (often referred to as St. Cuthbert's beads or Indian beads), prized by fossil collectors, and studied by geologists for paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

Geological facts

In folklore, these naturally pierced fossil discs were once believed to be beads strung by fairies at night. They are the state fossil of Missouri.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by their circular or pentagonal disc shapes with a central hole resembling a bead or gear. Commonly found weathering out of limestone or shale roadcuts and creek beds worldwide.

Other fossil specimens

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

fossil

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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