Plants or bones?

[ynot]

The main problem with it being cycad is the size.

Also, the diamond shaped marks on cycad are leaf stem scars and have an organized pattern that is lacking in Your piece.

[Rockwood]

On a scale of, in a draw, in the garage, or in the yard, this one goes in the yard. 

[Baddadcp]

6 hours ago, ynot said:

The main problem with it being cycad is the size.

Also, the diamond shaped marks on cycad are leaf stem scars and have an organized pattern that is lacking in Your piece.

Did you review the referenced paper? Yes, one of the keys of cycad is a diamond shaped pattern. But it isn't necessary for the definition. The three blind men trying to describe an elephant never did call it an elephant. But, at the end of the day, call it a gymnosperm and move on. Other than the replacement material being hematite, the nature of the mineral is not expressed to any great degree in the piece. I say this because I have personally seen hundred of examples of hematite deposition in the collecting area, most of which remain where they were seen. Something is here, the question is what. I wish you could hold it in your hand. Still shots over the web don't do it justice. 

[Innocentx]

I'm going to continue flogging the dead cycad .

The areas @GeschWhat and I are seeing seem reminiscent of features in this example. See

 

https://jurassiccoast.org/fossilfinder/1254-cycad/

[GeschWhat]

I just don't know enough about the formation or plants for that matter. All I can say is it is cool looking. Now if you post coprolites, I'm your girl! 

[Baddadcp]

9 minutes ago, Innocentx said:

I'm going to continue flogging the dead cycad .

The areas @GeschWhat and I are seeing seem reminiscent of features in this example. See

 

https://jurassiccoast.org/fossilfinder/1254-cycad/

I can buy that, but the premise that it is somehow a mineral specimen only is beyond the pale.

[Innocentx]

I look forward to hearing what genuine experts in that area have to say after they've examined it personally. Hope you'll let us know one way or the other!

[Plax]

All of these look like fossils to me. Keep in mind that opinions are just that. Most if not all opinions are given by folks that have little or no experience in the Potomac Group. This is to be encouraged as it generates discussion but do not take it as the final fact. I'd recommend the book:

https://archive.org/details/lowercretaceous00mary

  And also the Smithsonian for ID. Bob Purdy or Dave Bohaska can put you on to someone that can help you. You can google their contact information.

[GeschWhat]

Please post what you find out from the above contacts. Well said @Plax!