53MM Pygurus Marmonti Sea Urchin Fossil Sand Dollar Jurassic Age Madagascar
Location: Majanga, Madagascar
Weight: 1.9 Ounces
Dimensions: 53MM
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
The Pygurus marmonti, commonly known as the Fossil Sea Urchin or Sand Dollar, belongs to the echinoid family—marine invertebrates related to modern sea urchins and sand dollars. It lived during the Jurassic Period, around 145–200 million years ago, and is recognized by its elegant five-ray star pattern.
Fossils of Pygurus marmonti from Madagascar are especially prized, often polished to reveal their intricate structure and natural beauty. These ancient sea creatures once inhabited shallow marine environments, moving slowly across sandy sea floors and feeding on small organic particles.
When they died, their remains settled into soft sediments. Over millions of years, layers of sand and silt buried them, and mineralization transformed their shells into stone. The result is a beautifully preserved impression or cast, capturing the fine details of the original structure.
Today, these fossils serve as fascinating reminders of prehistoric oceans and the diverse life that flourished long before humans appeared.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Madagascar do a very professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures; however, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.
