This is a substantial slab from the world famous Morocco fossil beds. It comprises of a nearly complete flower and the stem leading up to it. The flower section is so substantial that it noticeably bulges. The anatomy of a crinoid flower is clearly visible here. The calyx has defined sections and the plated surface is distinct. The arms and petal parts of the flower extend up and look alive. The fine pinnule which filter feed from the arms are clearly seen in intense clarity. The flower alone is of such high quality as to make this piece the focal point of anyone's fossil collection small or large. The prominent crinoid flower measures 4.5 inches x 5.5 inches.
These crinoids date to the Silurian and Devonian Periods of the Paleozoic Era, 443 Million Years Ago to 358 Million years ago. This crinoid is a single piece and was not cemented back together.
Crinoids were filter feeders. Anchored to the sea floor, a long stem would extend up to the crown. The pinnule are the very fine filaments that would collect microscopic plankton and other sea life that flowed through them to then be consumed as food. For the Scyphocrinites fossils, the large flower in great preservation and detail, as well as the fine pinnule visibly extending from the arms in this animal, is quite remarkable and wonderful.
Measurements are close approximations:
Width - 6.5 inches
Thickness - 1.25 inches
Height - 8.25 inches
Weight - 2 pounds 14 ounces
I will include the small acrylic stand but a larger one will probably be good for long use.
These crinoids date to the Silurian and Devonian Periods of the Paleozoic Era, 443 Million Years Ago to 358 Million years ago. This crinoid is a single piece and was not cemented back together.
Crinoids were filter feeders. Anchored to the sea floor, a long stem would extend up to the crown. The pinnule are the very fine filaments that would collect microscopic plankton and other sea life that flowed through them to then be consumed as food. For the Scyphocrinites fossils, the large flower in great preservation and detail, as well as the fine pinnule visibly extending from the arms in this animal, is quite remarkable and wonderful.
Measurements are close approximations:
Width - 6.5 inches
Thickness - 1.25 inches
Height - 8.25 inches
Weight - 2 pounds 14 ounces
I will include the small acrylic stand but a larger one will probably be good for long use.