Morocco Crinoids

These Crinoids lived approx. 400 Million Years ago.  They marked the Devonian/Silurian border.  These were a "free swimming" species that had a "Floating Ball" instead of roots.  These crinoids are typically found in pieces when they are quarried underground and are then brought back to the surface where they are then reassembled and repaired.  Depending on the preparator, the matrix is then left either the natural gray color or is coated with a red tint which then makes the gray/black crinoid stand out in a much more dramatic way.  This is typically what you will find for sale..   Either way.. these crinoids are beautiful!!  The ornate design of the floating ball, the feathery appearance of the feeding arms and the segmentation of the arms are all highly detailed on these specimens.