Crinoid star fossil – oxford clay jurassic – tidmoor point dorset uk – genuine ancient sea lily with coa

Description

Discover a stunning and scientifically fascinating specimen from Britain’s ancient seabeds—this Crinoid Star Fossil, sourced from the famous Oxford Clay Formation of Tidmoor Point, Dorset. Dating to the Jurassic Period (~163 to 157 million years ago), this exceptional fossil captures a rare moment in prehistoric marine life, where delicate crinoid structures have been preserved in exquisite detail.

Geological & Fossil Information:

• Specimen: Crinoid Star (Sea Lily Fossil)
• Location Found: Tidmoor Point, Dorset, UK
• Formation: Oxford Clay
• Age: Jurassic Period (~163–157 Ma)
• Scale Reference: 1cm cube – please refer to photo for full size
• Authenticity: 100% Genuine – Certificate of Authenticity included

What are Crinoids?

Crinoids, sometimes called “sea lilies”, are echinoderms, related to starfish and sea urchins. Though they resemble flowers, crinoids are marine animals with feathery arms used for filter feeding. Their stalked forms were once anchored to the seafloor, waving gently in the currents to catch microscopic plankton.

These animals first appeared in the Middle Cambrian, over 485 million years ago, and were incredibly diverse and widespread by the time the Jurassic seas flooded what is now Dorset. Their remains—usually preserved as stems, columnals, or star-shaped ossicles—are found in sedimentary rocks and are a favourite among fossil collectors and natural history enthusiasts.

The Oxford Clay Formation is well-known for its exceptional preservation of marine fossils, and Tidmoor Point is a classic site yielding material such as crinoids, belemnites, ammonites, and marine reptiles.

Why This Fossil is Special:

• Preserved Crinoid Star-shaped structure – rare and desirable
• From the historically important Oxford Clay Jurassic site
• Originates from Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Excellent for display, educational study, or natural history collecting
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• You’ll receive the exact specimen pictured

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. This fossil has been carefully hand-selected and professionally photographed to ensure transparency and quality. We make every effort to measure accurately, but due to natural irregularities in shape, precise dimensions may vary.

Please Note:

• Some specimens may be propped for photography
• Colour may appear different depending on lighting and display screens
• Once sold, this listing will be updated with a new specimen, complete with new photos and details

Add a fascinating fossilised fragment of Britain’s Jurassic seas to your collection—this Crinoid Star Fossil is a rare and beautiful example of ancient marine life preserved in stone.