This fossil slab features a single, beautifully preserved brittle star (Ophiuroidea) from the Jurassic Period, measuring 5.19" across. Its long, slender arms and well-defined central disc are sharply contrasted against the fine-grained limestone matrix, which measures approximately 5.50" x 4.75".
Sourced from the world-renowned fossil beds of Morocco, this echinoderm lived over 150 million years ago in warm, shallow seas. Its delicate preservation and natural articulation make it a stunning addition to any fossil collection or educational display.
Professionally prepared and ethically sourced, this brittle star fossil is a striking example of ancient marine life—compact in size but rich in prehistoric detail.
Key Features:
- One fossil brittle star (Ophiuroidea)
- Measures 5.19" across
- Matrix dimensions: 5.50" x 4.75"
- Jurassic Period (~150 million years old)
- Origin: Morocco
- Excellent preservation and contrast
🌊 About Fossil Starfish and Brittle Stars (Echinoderms)
Fossilized starfish and brittle stars — collectively known as echinoderms — are some of the most delicate and beautiful fossils preserved from Earth’s ancient oceans. While their modern relatives are still common on sea floors around the world today, their fossilized ancestors date back hundreds of millions of years, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric marine ecosystems.
Starfish (class Asteroidea) and brittle stars (class Ophiuroidea) have been around since the Ordovician period, over 450 million years ago, and have changed very little in basic body structure. These fascinating creatures are echinoderms, meaning they are related to sea urchins, crinoids, and sea cucumbers. They are characterized by radial symmetry, spiny skin, and a water vascular system used for movement and feeding.
Due to their soft-bodied and fragile skeletons made of tiny calcareous plates, echinoderm fossils are exceptionally rare compared to harder-shelled marine animals like trilobites or ammonites. When preserved in full articulation — with arms extended and details visible — they become prized specimens among fossil collectors and paleontology enthusiasts.
Where Are Fossil Starfish and Brittle Stars Found?
Fossil starfish and brittle stars are found in fine-grained sedimentary rocks, where rapid burial and low-oxygen environments allowed these delicate animals to be preserved intact. Some of the most notable fossil localities include:
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Morocco – Especially the Fezouata and Boulemane formations, which produce incredibly detailed brittle star slabs from the Ordovician and Jurassic periods.
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Germany – The famous Solnhofen Limestone (Late Jurassic) yields exceptionally preserved brittle stars, sometimes alongside fish, pterosaurs, and other marine life.
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United States – Sites in Kansas and Utah have produced fossil echinoderms from the Western Interior Seaway.
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United Kingdom – Various Jurassic and Cretaceous formations yield occasional starfish fossils.
These fossils often appear in limestone matrix slabs, where the full outline of the animal — sometimes multiple individuals — is visible in beautiful detail.
What Makes Fossil Starfish & Brittle Stars Valuable?
Because of their rarity and fragile nature, fossil echinoderms are highly collectible. Several factors influence their desirability:
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Completeness: Fully articulated specimens with intact arms and body detail are significantly more valuable than partial impressions.
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Number of Individuals: Slabs with multiple starfish or brittle stars are especially eye-catching and collectible.
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Preservation Detail: Clear surface textures, arm structures, and symmetry increase a fossil’s value.
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Matrix Quality: A clean, attractive stone matrix makes for a stunning display piece.
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Rarity of Species: Some genera or formations are less commonly available on the fossil market, raising their collectible status.
Why Collect Fossil Starfish and Brittle Stars?
These marine fossils capture a moment frozen in time — a window into ancient sea floors that existed long before the age of dinosaurs. Their visual appeal and scientific importance make them favorites among fossil lovers, educators, and gift-givers alike.
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Educational Use: These fossils help teach about invertebrate evolution, marine ecosystems, and sedimentary fossil formation.
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Display-Worthy: Their natural symmetry and detail make them incredible showpieces in both modern and rustic decor.
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Conversation Starters: Few fossils are as instantly recognizable and appreciated as starfish and brittle stars.
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Great Gifts: They’re ideal for ocean lovers, science enthusiasts, and fossil collectors of all experience levels.
Guaranteed Authenticity
At Fossil Driven, we proudly offer 100% authentic fossil starfish and brittle stars — carefully selected for quality, preservation, and scientific integrity. We clearly disclose any repaired or stabilized specimens and never deal in replicas or reproductions. Every fossil is a genuine piece of Earth’s prehistoric past, preserved through natural processes over hundreds of millions of years.
Add a rare and beautiful echinoderm fossil to your collection — a real star from Earth’s ancient oceans.
