fossil

Crinoidean Fossil (Stem Fragment)

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

Hardness: 3 (calcite preservation); Color: brownish-grey; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: cylindrical or stacked disc-like segments (columnals); Cleavage: rhombohedral in individual crystals

Hardness: 3 (calcite preservation)
Color: brownish-grey
Luster: dull to earthy

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

Explore Crinoidean Fossil (Stem Fragment) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 3 (calcite preservation); Color: brownish-grey; Luster: dull to earthy; Structure: cylindrical or stacked disc-like segments (columnals); Cleavage: rhombohedral in individual crystals

Formation & geological history

Formed from the mineralized remains of marine sea lilies during the Paleozoic or Mesozoic eras (approx. 250-500 million years ago) in shallow seabed environments.

Uses & applications

Scientific education, fossil collecting, and occasionally used in jewelry or decorative crafts when found in large matrices.

Geological facts

Crinoids are actually animals, not plants, despite their 'sea lily' nickname. They are related to modern starfish and sea urchins.

Field identification & locations

Look for distinctive 'cheerio' or gear-shaped patterns on the surface of sedimentary rocks like limestone. Often found in abundance in riverbeds or limestone quarries.

Other fossil specimens

See all

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Limestone

Fossiliferous Calcilutite / Biomicrite

sedimentary

Fossiliferous Limestone

Biogenic Limestone with Brachiopod/Crinoid fragments

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