Balanocrinus Crinoid Fossil Jurassic Gloucestershire UK Authentic Sea Lily Echinoid Specimen

Description

Genuine Balanocrinus Crinoid Fossil from Gloucestershire

This listing offers a rare and beautifully preserved fossil of Balanocrinus, a crinoid commonly referred to as a “sea lily,” from the Jurassic deposits of Gloucestershire, UK. Crinoids are echinoderms, belonging to the same phylum as starfish and sea urchins, and have a rich fossil record stretching back hundreds of millions of years. This specimen represents a fascinating glimpse into the thriving marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas, when shallow waters teemed with diverse life.

Every specimen we supply is carefully chosen for its authenticity and preservation, with photographs showing the actual fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the images for accurate size reference. Each fossil is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its genuine nature and provenance.

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Geological Context and Stratigraphy

This crinoid originates from Jurassic-aged rocks in Gloucestershire, a county in the southwest of England well known for its fossiliferous deposits. The Jurassic period, spanning from approximately 201 to 145 million years ago, was a time of flourishing marine life when shallow epicontinental seas covered much of Europe. The sedimentary environments of this region were ideal for preserving marine organisms, particularly crinoids, ammonites, and bivalves.

The preservation of Balanocrinus fossils in Gloucestershire reflects deposition in calm, nutrient-rich waters where skeletal remains could be buried quickly in fine sediments. This ensured the survival of delicate details, allowing us to study the morphology of these ancient echinoderms in remarkable clarity.

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Morphology and Distinctive Features

Balanocrinus belongs to the family Isocrinidae, a group of stalked crinoids that attached themselves to the sea floor by a column of articulated ossicles (calcareous discs). These ossicles formed the long, flexible stem that anchored the animal, while the crown bore feather-like arms used for filter feeding.

Key traits of this specimen include:

• Columnal ossicles – disc-like segments forming the stem, clearly visible in this fossil.

• Articulated structure – showcasing the alignment and stacking typical of crinoid stems.

• Feeding morphology – evidence of the crown and arms used to filter plankton from seawater.

• Jurassic origin – firmly placing this specimen in one of the most important periods of marine diversification.

The fine preservation highlights the distinctive symmetry of echinoderms, a hallmark of their evolutionary lineage.

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Scientific and Collecting Importance

Crinoids like Balanocrinus are essential to palaeontologists because they provide insights into ancient marine ecosystems and evolutionary trends within echinoderms. Their widespread fossil record makes them useful in stratigraphy, helping to date and correlate rock formations across Europe.

For collectors, a Balanocrinus crinoid fossil is both scientifically significant and aesthetically appealing. The intricate arrangement of ossicles and the elegant form of the crown capture the delicate beauty of these ancient sea lilies. This specimen from Gloucestershire is particularly valuable due to its provenance in one of the UK’s classic fossil localities.

Whether displayed as part of a fossil collection, used in educational contexts, or admired as a natural work of art, this crinoid fossil connects us directly to the Jurassic seas that once covered Britain.

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Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Balanocrinus crinoid fossil from the Jurassic strata of Gloucestershire has been carefully selected for its rarity, preservation, and scientific importance.

Scale cube = 1 cm. Please see photographs for full sizing. The specimen pictured is the actual fossil you will receive, representing a true piece of Britain’s Jurassic marine heritage.