Hi all! I found a rock that commanded my attention while goofing off at a friend's house along the TN River. I thought I saw trace fossil like marks on the large rocks we were crawling on but they were very worn. Then I spied a much smaller piece, covered in algae and plant matter, that had very pronounced markings like I was seeing on the large rocks but also some broken lines that were very curious. The markings extend down the side of the broken rock and there are some deep "dotted" lines that are at near 90 degree angles as well as some shallow "dotted" lines that follow the natural curve of the broken rock as well as follow a depression that runs the length of the rock. I'd love it if someone who recognizes more about this rock could weigh in on it. It was found across the river from a well known Cherokee settlement, so the idea that it is an artifact in addition to a trace fossil has crossed my mind.
It was found in TN, south of Knoxville, along the TN River. The rock formation it was found in is Ordovician dolomite.
Thanks to anyone taking the time to look at and think over my find!