Elegant Scyphocrinites elegans Silurian Crinoids

Description: This is an exceptionally well preserved multiple example of a distinctive Camerate crinoid type. Scyphocrinites have been found in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. Instead of being rooted to the ground like most crinoids, Scyphocrinites had a lobolith, which is a floating sphere that kept it afloat in water, hence it was a floating crinoid. Unlike other crinoids, Scyphocrinites hung upside down at the surface. The dark three-dimensional crinoid contrasts beautifully against the muted purple matrix.