Alabama Crinoid Calyx

This crinoid calyx was found in the Bangor Limestone of Colbert County, Alabama. The animal lived in the Mississippian (Carboniferous) Period about 325 million years ago. It did not come with a label so not sure about its name.

Thanks to Larry for the fossil.  Find some of his other fossils here:  http://www.ebay.com/sch/larrysfossils/m.html?item=220880785514&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

Anthracospirifer leidyi? Brachiopod

The brachiopod pictured appears to be an Anthracospirifer leidyi? found in the Bangor Limestone of Colbert County, Alabama. This animal lived in the Mississippian (Carboniferous) Period about 325 million years ago. This brachiopod reminds me of the larger Syringothyrus texta found in the Borden Group of Indiana. See my earlier post about: http://louisvillefossils.blogspot.com/2011/01/syringothyrus-texta-brachiopod.html

These fossils are from larrysfossils on eBay and this fellow has some nice fossils on sale.  He usually has a good selection of crinoid calyx found in the Bangor as well brachiopods, bryozoan, blastoids, and other fossils.

Check the fossil selection out at http://www.ebay.com/sch/larrysfossils/m.html?item=220880785514&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

I cleaned the brachiopods with an engraver and stainless steel brush.  The engraver was on too high a setting and/or too aggressive with device as a result brachiopod broke.  I glued it back together and once it sets up I will clean the glue off.

Pyrite Stegerhynchus Brachiopods

While this brachiopod is common in the Waldron Shale, these in pyrite form are rare. Field of view of the microscope is about 8 mm.  Internally, the fossil is calcite which is covered in a thin layer of pyrite.