Anyone out there into rock collecting, geology?

[WaterWitchin]

I have a cousin who's an archeologist. When he has free time, we go hang down by our home town, in an area along a creek on the Humboldt Fault.

There are a lot of artifacts, and also quite a few weird geological formations. Neither of us know what these are. Anyone out there who might know? I have these pics on a geology/rockhound board, but haven't gotten anything other than a guess.

They're round balls in a harder than tar type substance. but reminiscent of tar. Full of pyrite crystals. The other picture is of several similar still embedded in rock. The other picture showing the ones that easily come loose as little balls I can't find at the moment, but if anyone has knowledge, I'll try to find it. Thanks in advance to anyone out there who might be able to assist. PS There's a few rocks at edge of pictures that aren't a part of it. Just other rocks on a too-full table.