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Vacationer Discovers 500-Million-Year-Old Crinoid Fossil

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Christine Clark (64), vacationing on Holy Island, Northumberland, found a fossil she initially believed to be fake teeth.
Dr. Jan Hennissen explained the fossil is the stem of a crinoid, an ancient marine invertebrate.
The crinoid stem dates to about 500 million years ago.
Clark has received offers to sell the fossil but intends to keep it.

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Story summary

Christine Clark (64), vacationing on Holy Island, Northumberland, found a fossil she initially believed to be fake teeth.
Dr. Jan Hennissen explained the fossil is the stem of a crinoid, an ancient marine invertebrate.
The crinoid stem dates to about 500 million years ago.
Clark has received offers to sell the fossil but intends to keep it.