These fossils often consist of the stalk or column, the most durable part of the crinoid’s anatomy ... intricate stars or flowers. In some regions, these fossilized fragments are so abundant ...

Crinoidea: A class of echinoderms that includes crinoids, characterized by a cup-like body and feathery arms. Calyx: The cup-shaped part of a crinoid that houses the internal organs. Echinodermata ...