FOR SALE!! GENUINE APOLLO 11 SOIL SAMPLES!! OR ARE THEY???

One of the most remarkable scientific events in history occurred just over 40 years ago when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon’s surface at 4:18 p.m. EDT on July 20, 1969. Shortly thereafter he was joined by his fellow astronaut, Edwin Aldrin, and for 2 hours 31 minutes the two were occupied setting up scientific experiments and collecting over 22 kilograms of rock and soil samples. These samples were extensively analyzed by the scientific community but, though sought after and desired by many, they were the exclusive property of NASA and not available to the public. Several attempts were made, however, to obtain and illegally sell some of the actual specimens, which were valued at over $1,000,000/gram. Other samples (of unknown origin), were offered as "legal specimens," though their authenticity was invariably challenged.One such attempt involved a sample brought to a consulting geologist with a request to "certify" the material as "true Apollo 11 lunar soil" so that it could be offered for sale. Lacking the necessary analytical equipment, the consultant contacted his former university mentor and requested his assistance. The sample was produced and subjected to petrographic, X-ray diffraction, geochemical, and particle size analysis. To the owner’s chagrin, most of the tests argued strongly against a "moon origin" for the sample. The owner, disappointed (and dis-believing!), refused to compensate the consultant and litigation ultimately ensued. Subsequently the owner was advised that all Apollo 11 lunar samples, excluding only those presented as gifts to foreign governments, were the property of NASA. Hence, even had the sample been true lunar material, any attempt to sell such a sample was in violation of Federal law and would have been prosecuted as a Class A felony.