Cyathocrinites Crinoid With Long Stem - Indiana

This is a 4.5" long (including stem) Cyathocrinites iowensis crinoid from the famous Witherspoon crinoid quarry near Crawfordsville, Indiana. There is also the crown of a Barycrinus next to the stem. The quality of preparation on this fossil is exquisite - using skillful air-abrasion techniques under a stereo microscope.

It is believed that crinoids from the Ramp Creek Limestone were buried in sediment from nearby deltas during storms. The resulting siltstone deposits are soft enough that fossils can be extracted in exquisite, three-dimensional relief.