Stunning 6" Agaricocrinus Crinoid - Crawfordsville

This is a stunning crinoid plate of a relatively uncommon species. This nearly complete Agaricocrinus americanus (missing only the hold fast) is exceptionally well preserved and very three-dimensional relief. It is believed that crinoids from the Edwardsville Formation 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.

The quality of preparation on this fossil - using skillful air-abrasion techniques under a stereo microscope - preserved the extremely fine pinnulation within the calyx that this crinoid needed to filter food from the water column.

The attached stalk extends for nearly five inches in a graceful arch. The highly displayable plate measures 6" x 4.5" wide