fossil

Fossilized Crinoid Stem

Crinoidea (Echinodermata)

Hardness varies around 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale depending on calcite replacement, colors range from grey to tan and brown, dull to vitreous luster, often features a circular or pentagonal columnal shape with a central canal hole.

Identified August 2, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the fossilized remains of marine invertebrates known as crinoids (sea lilies) that lived primarily during the Paleozoic era, accumulating in shallow marine environments over hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used primarily by fossil collectors, educational displays, and occasionally in lapidary work for making decorative items or jewelry.

Geological facts

Crinoids are often called sea lilies because of their flower-like appearance, though they are actually animals related to starfish and sea urchins. Their segmented stems frequently break apart, leaving behind disk-like fossils colloquially known as Indian beads.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by their characteristic disk-like segments with a central hole, often weathering out of limestone or shale formations worldwide.