Strange Rock Found in Tuckasegee River

[tuckrock]

Three years ago I saw what appeared to be a large gold nugget in a shallow section of the Tuckasegee River in Bryson city, NC. Upon picking up the object I quickly realized it was no gold but something far more interesting. I first saw the smooth side with two perfectly semi-circular holes going through it but when I turned it over, I found the grooves and immediately became drawn to the object. I really have no idea what this is and have not found any references to anything similar. I finally decided to post some pictures online in hopes of an answer...can anyone tell me what this is and if not, could you point me to someone who does?

Much appreciated!

 

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[Dakota Sioux]

Looks to me like a river worn piece of earthenware tile or brick. Welcome to Treasurenet!

 

[monsterrack]

I think what you have is the impression left by a ancient shell sea creature or crinoid

 

[sandchip]

I think it's ceramic. There are kaolin plants around here that use ceramic balls in the ball mills that have that same stonelike texture after use. Unscrupulous folks have been known to pass them off as Indian game balls. Not sure what to make of the odd shape, but I definitely believe that it's molded, modern and manmade, with those perfectly formed semicircular holes, unless of course, they were formed by aliens.