Fossil - Sea Urchin (Hemipneustes striatoradiatus)

Fossil - Sea urchin ( Hemipneustes striatoradiatus)

A large and impressive sea urchin fossil. This ancient sea urchin species (Hemipneustes striatoradia tus) lived in the Late Cretaceous, during the Maastrichtian stage, about 70.6 - 66 million years ago. The extinct sea urchin genus Hemipneustes belonged to the Holasteridae family. Sea urchins (Echinoidea) are spiny ball-shaped marine invertebrates belonging to the echinoderms. The class includes about 940 species. An adult individual is typically 3–10 cm in diameter. They move along the seabed with the help of their suction cups. 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, about 490 - 443.5 million years ago, making them among the oldest animals. Fossils have been found, for example, From Estonia, France, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, India, Spain and Iran. In good condition. Wear consistent with age. Chip. Size approx. 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 sea urchin's spiky appearance resembled the crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head before his crucifixion. The ancient Celts, on the other hand, considered fossilized sea urchins to be mystical serpent eggs. They were believed to originate in the summer, as a result of the strong energies generated during the mating of snakes. The intertwined snakes have formed patterns that have appeared as overlapping knots. The Celtic knot is therefore a continuous and eternal symbol, reflecting the timeless nature of life and the 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 sea urchin's spines represent a strong spirit, wisdom, and the ability to defend itself, while the animal's hard shell symbolizes the ability to protect itself from blows and the blows of life.

Ritual use

The Greek physician and botanist, Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40–90) recommended the use of "Jewish stone" (lapis judaicus), i.e. fossilized sea urchins, dissolved in warm water, for the treatment of various urinary tract ailments, such as urinary stones. These sea urchin fossils, probably of the species Balanocidaris glandifera, were used as a remedy in folk medicine for a long time after this, and their effectiveness was still written about in the 18th century. The Celts believed that fossilized sea urchins helped women who had difficulty getting pregnant. During the Crusades, people carried fossilized sea urchins with them like 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 lightning strikes and that they were a gift from the thunder god Thor. It was also believed that if you carried the fossil with you like an amulet, you would be safe from lightning and evil magic. In Suffolk, England, small fossils of sea urchins were considered "fairy bread". They were often placed in baking ovens to ensure success in baking bread. It was also believed that a home where such a fossil was found would never lack bread.

Note! Fossils are natural products that are millions of years old, so each one is unique. Therefore, colors, shapes and brightness may vary. The condition varies from fair to good and there are typical wear, fractures and small chips for fossils.