Calyx collecting craze

[Collector9658]

I've been busy with a handful of things these past few months, with fossil hunting and studies coming to a crawl. I've moved, as well as starting new work, which has been a good change of pace. Occasionally, I would get that itch to get back out and explore some new spots, in attempts to collect crinoids again, so I spent a few hours in early November mapping out some new local exposures of Burlington Limestone.

 

Most of the productive layers are encrinite, which can contain nice crinoid calyces intact. It is pretty rare to find articulated crinoids in this type of rock, at least locally in SW MO. This rock tends to weather quickly too, so if you find a nice specimen it is best to collect it sooner than later. There are some softer, less calcitic limestone layers that can yield articulated specimens, but these layers are not common to find in my journeys. Sometimes, going out and putting in the footwork is the only way to be sure what's out there.

 

I figure I would share some of the crinoids I've encountered from a few localities here the past four or five weeks from three trips. I don't have time to ID everything, or even start cleaning many of the finds. Some are needing cleaned for a confident ID, so I will not label everything. The vast majority of the crinoids found are camerates, but there are a few others mixed in here and there. There will be a lot of photos.

 

Locality #1

 I visited this spot back in November, 2024. I don't think this location has been collected previously. Lots of good material was apparent, and weathering out. A noteworthy find was my first Dorycrinus unicornis crinoid. I was pretty shocked to see the "unicorn horn" exposed, and not completely destroyed. The calyx is large and appears complete, unlike the rest of the scatter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locality #2

I went out on December 21, 2024 to birdwatch. There are a few active Bald Eagle nests I've encountered, and one in particular is pretty active. Unfortunately, no one was home that day, though I did go back on Christmas day and got to watch one of the eagles hunt for a hour. Anyway, since I was skunked the 21st, I decided to go walk the shoreline. Low water revealed some decent crinoidal layers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locality #3

 This trip wasn't the most fun to get to, but It was successful. On December 29th, I walked about 5.5 miles out to a locality. I got covered in ticks, burs, mud, and the terrain was constantly going up and downhill. It was miserable. After the risk, I was rewarded with sweet crinoidal limestone. This locality had some softer limestone layers that you could even pick apart with your fingernails. I will need to spent more time here when I can.

Edited January 10 by Collector9658

[Collector9658]

Continued

 

 

I wish this Synbathocrinus wortheni wasn't damaged. Note the stem attachment.

 

 

 

 

I trimmed out this specimen with my grinder from a large chunk. It might be worth doing a flip prep, as it could be articulated and in much better shape on the other side. It is also in very soft stone, and does look somewhat promising. Note the stem below the calyx, and the feeding arms above and attached to the calyx. A trip maker forsure.

 

 

 

 

Then came the 5.5 mile walk back through chaos. It sure was worth the adventure.

 

 Not bad for only 3 of the 12 planned spots so far. Of course, I should spend more time at each picking over whatever I have probably missed. We are covered in snow and ice currently in the Midwest USA, so I won't be going out for some time it seems even if I wished. Though, you can never have too many crinoids!

Edited January 10 by Collector9658

[Ludwigia]

You're right. Crazy calyxes! Nice hauls!

[trilobites_are_awesome]

Wow!

That's great I love the Burlington limestone!

[Darktooth]

Great finds! I would love to see them prepped!

[hadrosauridae]

Nice!

[Fossildude19]

Fantastic finds, sir! Well done!   

[FossilNerd]

Nice calyxes and other assorted crinoid bits. I think I also spied a blastoid among them as well in the last picture from locality #1. Nice finds. Thanks for sharing!

[Xiphactinus]

Burlington crinoids are some of my favorites. You killed it! Congratulations 

[RuMert]

So many calyxes in one place, crinoid heaven

[Mikrogeophagus]

Gorgeous stuff. I love that second to last crinoid. Hope the flip prep comes out well should decide to do it

[Sjfriend]

Great finds. Love the last couple. Good luck on the prep.

[Jaybot]

On 1/10/2025 at 10:55 AM, Collector9658 said:

I trimmed out this specimen with my grinder from a large chunk. It might be worth doing a flip prep, as it could be articulated and in much better shape on the other side. It is also in very soft stone, and does look somewhat promising. Note the stem below the calyx, and the feeding arms above and attached to the calyx. A trip maker forsure.

 

 

Now THAT is an epic find!!!  That crinoid will look beautiful once prepped.  Nice find, and thanks for sharing!

[Jeffrey P]

Some excellent finds there.  You definitely hit some hot spots. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your rich bounty. 

[trilobites_are_awesome]

12 hours ago, Jaybot said:

Now THAT is an epic find!!!  That crinoid will look beautiful once prepped.  Nice find, and thanks for sharing!

It will But I don't envy the person who has to prep that, It looks very crumbly!

EDIT: Note the blastoid right next to the crinoid!

Edited January 14 by trilobites_are_awesome

[crinus]

On 1/10/2025 at 11:55 AM, Collector9658 said:

Though, you can never have too many crinoids!

 

I couldn't agree more.  Very nice haul.