This exceptional fossil slab features five well-preserved brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) from the Jurassic Period, beautifully showcased in a 10.75" x 7.50" limestone matrix. The largest brittle star measures 5.25" across, with all five radiating clearly articulated arms and defined central discs.
Collected from the world-renowned marine fossil beds of Morocco, these ancient echinoderms lived over 150 million years ago on the seafloor of warm, shallow oceans. Their fossilized remains offer a dynamic, museum-worthy display of prehistoric biodiversity.
Whether you're a serious collector, fossil enthusiast, or educator, this multi-specimen slab makes a dramatic and scientifically rich addition to any collection. Professionally prepared and ethically sourced.
Key Features:
- Five fossil brittle stars (Ophiuroidea)
- Largest measures 5.25"
- Matrix dimensions: 10.75" x 7.50"
- Jurassic Period (~150 million years old)
- Origin: Morocco
- Fantastic detail, contrast, and display value
🌊 About These Fossils: Ancient Echinoderms from Jurassic Morocco
These fossil specimens come from the Jurassic-age marine limestone beds near El Kaid Errami, Morocco, a region world-famous for its abundance of exceptionally preserved marine fossils. Dating back approximately 150 million years, these fossils capture the remains of ancient echinoderms—including brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) and true starfish (Asteroidea)—that once thrived in warm, shallow seas.
Brittle stars, while closely related to modern starfish, are easily distinguished by their long, flexible arms and small, disc-like bodies. Unlike starfish, brittle stars use their whip-like limbs to crawl and feed along the seafloor. Their delicate structures rarely fossilize intact, making well-preserved specimens like these especially rare and sought after by collectors.
Fossil starfish are also relatively uncommon due to their soft-bodied nature and tendency to decay quickly after death. When conditions were just right—fine sediment, low oxygen, and rapid burial—these sea stars were preserved in remarkable detail, as seen in these Moroccan finds.
Each piece in this collection is:
- Over 150 million years old
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Ethically sourced from trusted Moroccan fossil dig sites
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Professionally prepared to highlight fine anatomical detail
- A one-of-a-kind window into ancient ocean life
These fossils are ideal for:
- Paleontology enthusiasts and fossil collectors
- Home or office fossil displays
- Educational tools for classrooms and museums
- Unique, science-inspired gifts
