64MM Pygurus Marmonti Sea Urchin Fossil Sand Dollar Jurassic Age Madagascar

Location: Majanga, Madagascar

Weight: 3.5 Ounces

Dimensions: 64MM

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

The Pygurus marmonti Sand Dollar is a fascinating fossil sea urchin that once inhabited warm, shallow seas during the Jurassic Period. As an echinoid, it possessed a rigid shell marked by a distinctive five-pointed star design, reflecting the radial symmetry typical of this group. Fossils from Madagascar provide exceptionally clear examples of this ancient species, preserving both structural detail and natural aesthetics.

When alive, Pygurus marmonti likely lived partially buried in soft seafloor sediment, feeding and moving slowly beneath the surface. After death, the shell became covered by sediment layers, where mineral replacement and compression gradually transformed it into stone. This process preserved the test’s fine texture and symmetrical pattern, creating fossils that remain visually striking millions of years later.

Collectors and paleontology enthusiasts value these fossils for their connection to prehistoric ocean life and their naturally artistic appearance, making them popular specimens in both scientific collections and decorative displays.

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.