Lot 920
Five Large Complete Crinoids. Crinoids which are known as "sea lilies" are actually an echinoderm with five fold symmetry related to star fish. Finding even one complete crinoid with its stem is rare because the stem is composed of many segments and breaks apart quickly when the crinoid dies. This museum quality 15.5X12.5 inch gray stone slab contains five large complete Traomatocrinus crinoids from the Guizhou Province of China which are 240 million years old. The light gray crinoids contrast nicely against the dark gray matrix making for a dramatic fossil. The largest three crinoids are 10.5-11 inches long consisting of a 2-2.5 inch Calyx (cup or flower part) and a 8-9 inch long stem. The detail is excellent with even some of the fine feather-like pinnules visible. These sieve-like pinnules were used to capture small prey items which were transported to the mouth at the center of the Calyx. All five of the crinoids are attached to the same 2X2 inch object that was either floating in the water or perhaps anchored to the sea floor. This is a remarkably esthetic fossil which could be hung on a wall if desired.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,300.
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| Realized $1,076 |
