Batocrinus icosidactylus Crinoid Calyx

 

This crinoid calyx fossil pictured above is known as Batocrinus icosidactylus (Casseday, 1854). It was found in the Salem Limestone of Lanesville, Harrison County, Indiana USA. The fossil dates to the Middle Mississippian Period. 

The fossil was named by Samuel Addison Casseday (1831-1860), a Louisville area paleontologist.

This crinoid fossil was once part of the collection of southern Indiana paleontologist George K. Greene (1835-1917). It appeared that all of Greene's fossil collection was sold to American Museum of Natural History in New York City after his death but as it turns out there was one cabinet not sold and was past down to his descendants. 

This fossil is now on display at the Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center till September 2024 after that it will be transferred to the Indiana State Museum. George Greene's great-great-grandson William "Bill" Bishop passed away on November 29, 2023 and his wish that fossils be donated.

Peanut Butter Trilobite

 

One day recently at lunch, I did not have much to eat. Looking through my desk I found a jar of reduced fat Jif peanut butter. So I ate some of that with a serrated plastic knife. I soon realized that the pattern the peanut was making on the knife was that of the thorax of trilobite.