Saturday, April 16, 2022

Elaeacrinus verneuili Blastoid Fossil

These pictures show what appears to be an Elaeacrinus verneuili (Römer [aka Roemer], 1851) blastoid fossil. This specimen is partially embedded in matrix and measures about 15 mm long. I use to think Devonian blastoids like this were rare but after exploring a site after an hour or so one usually is found.

It was found in the Jeffersonville Limestone of Clark County, Indiana USA. It dates to the Devonian Period.


This species is also attributed to Gerard Troost (1776-1850) who identified it as Pentremites verneuili in 1841 in the 6th Report Geological State Tennessee on page 14. He later published two more mentions in 1849 and 1850 as Olivanites verneuili and Olivanites verneuili.[Source]