So What is It?

I've gotten a few higher ed opinions about what this may be.  Most of my measuring devices are very crude, but it is hard like chert and breaks like chert.  I like chert.  However, the dots and patterns in the rock suggested to me that there's something more going on.  Ideas?

Long Time...

 For those of you who have been waiting, longing and pining for my next post.  Here it is.

This is (as far as I can tell) the flower of a Carolina fanwort.  Zoom in and you'll see the spiderling about to "balloon".  A spiderling sends up a bit of spider silk, catches the wind and sails away to its new neighborhood.  The spider species is ... uh ... I don't know, it's hard to tell with little ones.

As for why it's been so long, bummed-outted-ness.  In a stupid accident, the drive with years of photos fell about three feet.  Backups are sporadic due to lack of funds.  Camera is failing, or lenses.  Definite bummed-outted-ness.  The data recovery is estimated to be between $800 and $900.

I'm still figuring out the whole emotional part of this event.