fossil

Fossil Coral / Crinoid Stem section

Anthozoa / Crinoidea fossil

Hardness around 3-7 on Mohs scale (depending on silicification or calcification). Color ranges from brownish-gray to white/cream. Features a distinctive round shape with internal radial structure or central canal preserved in quartz or calcite.

Identified July 26, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in warm, shallow marine environments during the Paleozoic to Mesozoic eras, where organic marine skeletons were gradually buried and replaced by minerals like calcite or chalcedony.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as educational specimens, for rockhounding, lapidary arts, and gemstone jewelry when polished.

Geological facts

Small disc-like sections of crinoid stems were historically referred to as 'St. Cuthbert's beads' and strung together as rosaries in medieval times.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its circular, button-like shape with distinct central features and mineral replacement patterns. Commonly found along ancient sea beds, river beds, and limestone quarries.

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Fossiliferous Calcilutite / Biomicrite

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