When I originally sanded it, I choose to keep it as natural as possible in look and so it's not perfectly smooth. Also, there are a few cracks in the base and a large one on it's back side. As long as it is not dropped or handled too roughly there is little chance of it being damaged. Finally, it's max length is 17 inches wide and 15 inches tall
The interesting thing is, I found it washed up on the side of the Potomac. I'm not sure, but my only guess would be not oak. It doesn't seem dense enough