RARE Mass Intracute Crinoid (Balanocrinus) Fossil Block with Shells and Sea Urchin Spines, Beacon Limestone, Jurassic Coast, UK

Description

Fossil Type: Mass Intracute Crinoid (Balanocrinus) Fossil Block with Shells and Sea Urchin Spines (Cidarid)

Geological Formation: Beacon Limestone

Location: Thorncombe Beacon, Dorset, UK

Geological Age: Jurassic

Certificate of Authenticity Included

Scale Cube = 1cm

Full Sizing Visible in Photos

This Mass Intracute Crinoid fossil block featuring Balanocrinus, with sea urchin spines (Cidarid) and fossil shells, is a truly exceptional specimen from the Beacon Limestone of the Jurassic Coast. Discovered by our expert team, Alister and Alison, on 19 July 2024, this fossil is a rare and fascinating find that showcases an ancient marine environment with various species preserved together.

The fossil block features Balanocrinus crinoids, sea urchin spines, and shell fossils from the Jurassic period, providing a stunning and complete snapshot of a past ecosystem. This fossil has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring its preservation in excellent condition. The fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance.

Species and Morphology Information:

• Species: Balanocrinus (Crinoid)
• Geological Age: Jurassic
• Depositional Environment: The fossil was found in the Beacon Limestone formation, a known marine environment from the Jurassic period. This formation represents a shallow marine depositional environment, ideal for the preservation of crinoids, sea urchins, and shells.
• Morphology Features: The crinoid fossils display typical features of the Balanocrinus, a genus of sea lilies. The sea urchin spines are from the Cidarid family, with detailed preservation. Additionally, the fossil contains various shell fossils from marine organisms, adding richness and variety to the specimen.
• Notable Features: This fossil block stands out due to the diversity of species preserved in a single block, providing a glimpse into a Jurassic marine ecosystem. The crinoid stalks, sea urchin spines, and shells all contribute to its aesthetic appeal and educational value.
• Family: Balanocrinus (Crinoid)
• Superfamily: Crinoidea
• Order: Crinoidea
• Biozone: The Beacon Limestone is a Jurassic biozone representing a shallow marine environment that supported a rich marine life, including crinoids, sea urchins, and marine shells.
• Depositional Environment: The fossil was preserved in a shallow marine environment, where crinoids and sea urchins thrived, likely near a coral reef or other marine ecosystem.

Size and Visuals:

This fossil block is approximately 5 inches (12 cm) in size, with the scale cube representing 1cm. The block preserves the Balanocrinus crinoids, sea urchin spines, and shell fossils in excellent detail, making it a truly remarkable specimen for display or study.

Authenticity and Certification:

This Balanocrinus fossil block is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. It has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to ensure its preservation. The fossil was discovered in Beacon Limestone, part of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, UK.

Why Buy This Fossil:

• Genuine Fossil: This Balanocrinus fossil block is an authentic fossil, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Diverse Fossil Preservation: This specimen includes crinoid stalks, sea urchin spines, and shells, making it a rare example of multiple species preserved together.
• Educational Value: The fossil block provides valuable insight into the Jurassic marine ecosystems, showing how crinoids, sea urchins, and shells coexisted in ancient shallow seas.
• Perfect for Display: This fossil is ideal for any fossil collector, museum display, or educational exhibit.
• Rare and Collectible: Fossils from the Jurassic period in the Beacon Limestone are highly sought after, making this specimen a valuable addition to any collection.

Note: The photo shown is of the actual specimen you will receive. The scale cube represents 1cm, and full size details are visible in the photos.