🐟Crinoid Fossils Embedded in Lake Michigan Stone🐟

🐟Crinoid Fossils Embedded in Lake Michigan Stone🐟 This is a gorgeous chunk of fossiliferous limestone packed with crinoids (sea lilies) & other fossils. I collected this beauty myself on the shores of Lake Michigan🌊 Crinoid fossils, also known as "sea lilies", are the remains of ancient marine animals that resemble flowers with stems. They first appeared in the fossil record around 500 Million years ago!! During the Paleozoic Era, much more of the world's continents were covered under warm, shallow, saltwater seas, including Lakes Michigan! When thousands of Paleozoic species died, including crinoids, they became buried in sediment and, under certain conditions, fossilized. Crinoids are related to starfish and sea urchins, and share their five-part radial symmetry. My family called them “Indian beads” Native Americans would string them together for jewelry. Some have holes (like Cheerios) while others are group smashed together like this gem of a find! This formation is also referred to as a death plate. (Aka death assemblage or mound fossil) They showcase a variety of organisms that died & were buried together in a specific location, often revealing a snapshot of an ancient ecosystem. These fossils can include body remains of organisms & trace fossils (evidence of their activity). ✨ you’ll receive the 1 fossil shown. Many diff lights & angles, wet & dry. For wet look, you could spray this with clear paint. They shine it right up!✨ Weight: 86g Approx 2.5” x 2” Bag 4