This is a Crinoid Fossil Large Animal Flower. It has been repaired/restored from when it split in two. Epoxy was used to strongly join the two halves by the Moroccan excavators, as trained by former Museum curators.
The top half nicely features the typical flower head. Nearly complete, the flower has excellent detail, and it has nicely defined shaping. Close up observation reveals fine filaments (pinnule) gracing the flower. Very long lengths of stems are everywhere, including on the back side.
This crinoid fossil large animal flower dates to the Silurian and Devonian Periods of the Paleozoic Era, 443 Million Years Ago to 358 Million years ago. 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.
An acrylic stand is included though some sort of more substantive stand would be appropriate.
Approximate Dimensions of this Crinoid Fossil Large Animal Flower:
Length - 6.75 inches
Thickness - 0.75 inches average
Height - 6.25 inches
Weight - 2 Pounds 4 Ounces