Pentacrinites Crinoid Fossil Slab Jurassic Lyme Regis Dorset UK Lower Lias Black Ven

Description

Authentic Pentacrinites Crinoid Slab from the Jurassic Coast

Offered here is a genuine Pentacrinites crinoid fossil slab collected from the renowned Black Ven Marls, Black Ven, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, on England’s world-famous Jurassic Coast. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, carefully selected for preservation quality, clarity, and overall presentation. Full sizing details are shown in the photos for accurate reference.

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, ensuring confidence in provenance and long-term collectability.

Provenance and Preparation

This particular specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 18 December 2025 during fieldwork at Black Ven. Following recovery, the slab was cleaned, prepared, and stabilised by Alison, ensuring the crinoid material is clearly visible and securely preserved while retaining its natural geological context. Direct team-collected provenance provides a strong and traceable history that is highly valued by collectors and institutions alike.

Geological Formation and Age

The fossil originates from the Lower Lias Group, deposited during the Early Jurassic Period, approximately 199–191 million years ago, within the Sinemurian Stage. The Black Ven Marls represent fine-grained marine mudstones and marls laid down in a shallow epicontinental sea that covered much of southern Britain. This formation is internationally significant for its abundance of exceptionally preserved marine fossils and plays a key role in understanding Early Jurassic ecosystems along the Dorset coast.

Fossil Type, Species, and Scientific Context

Pentacrinites is a genus of stalked crinoid, an echinoderm related to modern sea lilies and feather stars. It belongs to the Order Isocrinida and is one of the most recognisable crinoids of the Lower Jurassic. Pentacrinites is particularly notable for forming dense colonies anchored to floating driftwood or firm substrates, allowing it to thrive in shallow marine environments. Fossil slabs preserving Pentacrinites stems are classic and highly sought-after examples of Jurassic marine life.

Morphology and Notable Features

This slab preserves multiple Pentacrinites columnals and stem fragments, typically appearing as circular to star-shaped segments linked in linear arrangements. The central lumen of each columnal is often visible, along with articulation surfaces that show how the individual segments joined together in life. These repeating skeletal elements create a striking natural pattern across the slab and provide valuable insight into crinoid anatomy, growth, and mode of life.

Depositional Environment

During the Early Jurassic, the Black Ven and Charmouth area lay beneath a warm, shallow marine environment with relatively calm conditions. Crinoids flourished in these nutrient-rich waters, often forming extensive colonies. Storm events or changes in sea conditions could cause colonies to break apart, with skeletal material settling onto the sea floor. Rapid burial by fine sediments, combined with periods of low oxygen, allowed crinoid material to be preserved in situ within the marls, resulting in slabs such as this.

Collecting, Display, and Educational Value

This Pentacrinites crinoid fossil slab is ideal for serious fossil collectors, educational collections, museum displays, or statement interior presentation. Its clear provenance, team-collected history, classic British Jurassic origin, and strong visual impact make it both scientifically informative and aesthetically appealing. Crinoid slabs from Lyme Regis are iconic fossils that vividly illustrate Jurassic sea-floor communities. Each specimen we offer is individually selected, ensuring you receive an authentic and carefully curated piece of Early Jurassic marine history from one of the world’s most celebrated fossil coastlines.