Description
Fossil Identification
This listing features an Amphorocrinus gigas crinoid cup, also known as a calyx, from the Carboniferous. The specimen is identified as Tournaisian and Chadian, placing it within an important early Carboniferous interval. It was collected at Salthill Quarry, Clitheroe, Lancashire, and is from the Alice Purnell Collection.
Crinoid Cup and Calyx
A crinoid calyx is the cup-like body structure that formed the central part of a crinoid animal. Crinoids are marine animals belonging to the echinoderm group, related to modern sea lilies and feather stars. Their body plan commonly included a central calyx, delicate feeding arms and, in many fossil forms, a supporting stem. The calyx provided protection and support for the animal’s internal structures, making it one of the most recognisable and collectible parts of a fossil crinoid.
Amphorocrinus gigas is of particular interest to collectors because the calyx represents the more substantial central body portion of the crinoid rather than an isolated individual stem segment. Fossil crinoid cups are valued for their distinctive architecture, geological significance and connection with ancient marine ecosystems. The form and arrangement of the cup plates are important features in crinoid study and identification.
Geological Context
The Tournaisian is an early stage of the Carboniferous Period. During this part of Earth’s history, extensive marine environments supported diverse communities of crinoids and other invertebrates. Crinoids were widespread in Paleozoic seas, where many lived attached to the seafloor or other hard surfaces and filtered food particles from the surrounding water. Their remains could become incorporated into marine sediments and preserved as fossil cups, plates, stems and other skeletal elements.
The Salthill Quarry locality at Clitheroe, Lancashire, gives this specimen a defined collecting context within the fossil-rich geology of the region. Lancashire material is of strong interest to collectors studying Carboniferous marine life, and a named locality adds useful geological context when displaying or cataloguing a specimen.
Collection and Display
This fossil is suitable for fossil collectors, students of palaeontology, geological displays and anyone interested in Carboniferous marine organisms. Its identification as an Amphorocrinus gigas crinoid cup makes it a distinctive addition to a collection focused on crinoids, echinoderms or early Carboniferous fossils.
From the Alice Purnell Collection
The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive.
Full sizing is shown in the photographs.
Authenticity and Certificate
This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.
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