fossil

Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid Stem

Sedimentary Rock with Echinodermata fossil fragment

Hardness varies from 3 (for the calcite limestone matrix) to 4 on the Mohs scale. Color is light tan to grey with dark speckles and fossils. Luster is earthy to vitreous. Cryptocrystalline structure with distinct fossil inclusions.

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid Stem in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in ancient shallow marine environments where calcium carbonate accumulated from shells and skeletal fragments of marine organisms, dating primarily from the Paleozoic era.

Uses & applications

Used in educational settings, fossil collecting, and as a natural decorative specimen.

Geological facts

The small protruding button-like structure on the specimen is a crinoid columnal, often colloquially called 'Indian beads' or 'stone lily' stems.

Field identification & locations

Found in sedimentary strata worldwide, particularly in areas with ancient limestone beds. Easily identifiable by the circular or star-shaped hollow columnals embedded in the rock.

Other fossil specimens

See all

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