Rock Identifier
Fossil Crinoid Stem Columnal (Star Stone) (Crinoidea (typically Pentacrinites or Isocrinida columnal, CaCO3)) — fossil
fossil

Fossil Crinoid Stem Columnal (Star Stone)

Crinoidea (typically Pentacrinites or Isocrinida columnal, CaCO3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 3 (calcite); dull to earthy luster; distinct 5-pointed symmetrical star shape; color ranges from grayish-tan to brownish-gray.

Identified More fossil →
Explore Fossil Crinoid Stem Columnal (Star Stone) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness 3 (calcite); dull to earthy luster; distinct 5-pointed symmetrical star shape; color ranges from grayish-tan to brownish-gray.

Formation & geological history

Formed through calcitic biomineralization of marine echinoderm stems, preserved in sedimentary limestone or shale from the Paleozoic to Mesozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Prized as collector curiosities, used in folk jewelry, and studied in paleontology to reconstruct ancient marine ecosystems.

Geological facts

Historically known as 'St. Cuthbert's beads' or 'star stones,' these fossils were traditionally used as rosary beads and charms.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its miniature pentagonal or star-shaped profile and central canal; commonly weathered out of marine limestone cliffs and riverbeds.

More like this

Other fossil specimens

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea) — fossil

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

fossil
Rounded sedimentary pebble (Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone) — sedimentary

Rounded sedimentary pebble

Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone

sedimentary
Chert with Fossil Brachiopod (Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion) — sedimentary

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

Fossiliferous limestone

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

sedimentary
Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale) (Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)) — sedimentary

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary
Fossiliferous limestone, possibly coral-bearing (Calcitic limestone (mostly CaCO₃; fossil fragments may include ancient colonial coral or shell material)) — sedimentary

Fossiliferous limestone, possibly coral-bearing

Calcitic limestone (mostly CaCO₃; fossil fragments may include ancient colonial coral or shell material)

sedimentary