Crinoid Fossil Beads, Natural and Colorful, Eight Sizes - FREE US SHIPPING

Sections of 300 million year old crinoid stem fossils were used to make the beads in this listing. Beads such as these were once worn and prized by many Native American peoples and they can be used to add a unique and natural touch to any piece of jewelry or other creation where stone beads are desired.

The fossils are gathered from a Central Texas location that provides material in a wide range of natural colors, something not typically found in crinoid fossils. Although the hues can be subtle, they are primarily shades of yellow, white, tan and gray. A small number of the pieces will have hints of pink, purple, red and some will feature multiple colors.

The fossils have been center drilled and have holes measuring 1.5 to 2 mm, although a portion of the beads feature naturally occurring holes that can be as large as 4 mm. The ends of some beads have been sanded to remove sediments.

The beads are available in four different diameters and two different lengths:

Small beads will be between 6 and 8mm in diameter.

Medium diameter beads will have diameters ranging from 8 to 10mm.

Large size beads will be 10 to 13mm in diameter.

Extra Large beads will measure 13 to 16mm in diameter.

Short beads will have lengths of 1 to 10mm and long beads will measure 10 to 20mm in length.


Each set that is ordered will contain an amount equal to a 6 inch strand length (the beads necessary to create a single strand 6 inches long when they are placed end-to-end). Sets of short beads will have 25 to 32 individual pieces and there will be between 10 and 14 individual pieces for each set of long beads.

These will be shipped unstrung.


All beads featured in the listing photos were selected at random in order to provide an accurate representation of the available material. Each order will include beads of multiple colors with the variety being dependent on the pieces available at that time of shipment.

Shipping within the United States is included in the listing price.


More Information about the fossils:

The crinoid stem fossils in this listing are fossilized portions of animals that lived approximately 300 million years ago in a sea that covered most of Texas. They are sometimes referred to as "Indian Beads" since they are known to have been worn by the indigenous people of North America.

Crinoids resembled plants, having a cup like structure called a "Calyx" positioned atop a stalk-like body that was anchored to the ocean bottom. Feather-like arms extended from the calyx, capturing food as it floated by. Small arms called "Cirri" extended from the stalk, grabbing nearby objects to further anchor the animal. The spots where the cirri emerged from the stem can be seen on a portion of the beads, appearing as circular bumps.