Fossil - Sea urchin, L size

Fossil - Sea urchin, L size, single piece

A spectacular, ancient species of sea urchin (Hemipneustes striatoradiatus) lived in the late Cretaceous period, during the Maastricht stage, approx. 70.6 - 66 million years ago. The extinct sea urchin genus Hemipneustes belonged to the family Holasteridae. Sea urchins (Echinoidea) are spiky ball-shaped, echinoderm marine invertebrates. The category includes about 940 species. An adult individual is typically 3–10 cm in diameter. They move along the seabed with their suction feet. Sea urchins can live up to 20 years. Sea urchins have been on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. They appeared on Earth in the Ordovician period, approx. 490 - 443.5 million years ago, so they belong to the oldest animals. Fossils have been found e.g. From Estonia, France, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, India, Spain and Iran. In good condition. Age-related wear. Cleft. Size about 65mm x 60mm x 42mm. Weight approx. 155g.

Symbol meaning

Ancient mystics associated the sea urchin with the virgin goddess and fertility. Early Christians, on the other hand, considered the sea urchin a symbol of Christ. They believed that the spiky appearance of the sea urchin resembled the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus' head before his crucifixion. The ancient Celts, on the other hand, considered fossilized sea urchins to be mystical snake eggs. They were thought to originate in the summer, as a result of the strong energies generated during the mating season of the snakes. The entwined snakes have formed patterns that look like overlapping knots. The Celtic knot is a constant and eternal symbol, reflecting the timeless nature of life and soul. The sea urchin was considered a symbol of courage, love, strength and fertility. In Native American cultures, sea urchins have been considered a symbol of protection, guidance and intuition. The spines of the sea urchin represent a strong spirit, wisdom and the ability to defend yourself, while the animal's hard shell symbolizes the ability to protect itself from blows and bumps in life.

Ritual use

The Greek physician and botanist, Pedanios Dioskorides (c. 40–90) recommended the use of "Judaean stone" (lapis judaicus), i.e. fossilized sea urchins dissolved in warm water, to treat various urinary tract problems, such as urinary stones. These sea urchin fossils, probably of the Balanocidaris glandifera species, were used as medicine in folk medicine for a long time after this, and their efficacy was still being written about in the 18th century. The Celts believed that petrified sea urchins helped women who had trouble conceiving. During the Crusades, people carried petrified sea urchins with them as amulets. It was believed that these protected the wearer from urinary tract infections and "stones". The ancient Danes, on the other hand, believed that sea urchins were born from a lightning strike and that they were a gift from the thunder god Thor. It was also believed that if you carried a fossil with you like an amulet, you were safe from lightning and evil magic. In Suffolk, England, miniature fossils of sea urchins were considered "fairy bread". They used to be bricked into baking ovens in order to make bread successfully. It was also believed that the home where this fossil was found never saw a lack of bread.

Note! Fossils are natural products, j so each of them is its own unique individual. Because of this, colors, shapes and brightness may vary. The condition varies from moderate to good and they have wear, fractures and small chips typical of fossils.