THE COSO ARTIFACT EXPLAINED

Summary

In 1961, Wallace Lane and Virginia Maxley discovered a strange geode near Atanta, California, containing a spark plug, fossilized shells, and metallic objects. The geode, later named the Koso artifact, was initially believed to be evidence of an ancient advanced society. However, a closer examination revealed it to be a 1920s-era Champion spark plug embedded in sedimentary stone through concretion. Despite the scientific explanation, the artifact gained popularity in the UPARTS (out-of-place artifact) community. The artifact was lost in 2008, preventing further analysis, and the story continues to intrigue those fascinated by the paranormal and unexplained mysteries.

Takeaways

• 😀 In February 1961, Wallace Lane and Virginia Maxley discovered a peculiar geode near Atanta, California.
• 😀 The geode contained a spark plug-like object embedded in its center, which surprised the finders.
• 😀 The geode was found at an elevation of about 4,300 feet and had fossilized shell fragments on its surface.
• 😀 The object also contained a ceramic-like material, corroded copper, and metallic objects resembling a nail and washer.
• 😀 This geode, named the Koso artifact, gained notoriety in the UFO and anomalous artifacts (UPARTS) community.
• 😀 Virginia Maxley was told by a geologist that the artifact was at least 500,000 years old, though this claim lacks verification.
• 😀 The identity of the geologist and the official publication of the findings were never revealed, casting doubt on the claim.
• 😀 Geologist Ron CLE conducted an X-ray examination of the Koso artifact, revealing the spark plug-like object inside.
• 😀 While some believe the artifact suggests ancient technological advancement, most mainstream scientists disagree.
• 😀 Mainstream scientists have identified the spark plug as a 1920s-era Champion spark plug, used in Ford Model T and A engines.
• 😀 The scientific consensus suggests that the spark plug and other items were embedded in sedimentary stone through concretion.
• 😀 The Koso artifact has been lost since 2008, preventing further scientific analysis of its composition.

Q & A

What unusual discovery did Virginia Maxley and Mike Mistell make while searching for geodes?

Virginia Maxley and Mike Mistell found a geode that contained what appeared to be a spark plug inside it, along with other strange materials like fossilized shells, ceramic-like material, corroded copper, and metallic objects resembling a nail and a washer.

Where and when did Virginia Maxley and Mike Mistell make their discovery?

The discovery occurred on February 13th, 1961, near the top of a peak about 6 miles northeast of Atlanta, California.

What was the significant feature inside the geode they cut open?

The significant feature was a spark plug embedded in the center of the geode, which was unusual and sparked intrigue.

What other materials were found inside the geode alongside the spark plug?

Along with the spark plug, the geode contained fossilized shell fragments, ceramic-like material, corroded copper, and metallic objects resembling a nail and a washer.

How did Virginia Maxley react to her discovery and what did she do next?

Virginia Maxley took the artifact to a geologist who allegedly estimated its age at around 500,000 years. However, this claim was never officially verified.

What did geologist Ron Cleve discover when examining the object?

Geologist Ron Cleve took an X-ray of the artifact and found that the spark plug-like object was indeed a spark plug, specifically identified as a 1920s-era Champion spark plug.

What was the scientific explanation for the spark plug inside the geode?

Most scientists believe that the spark plug, along with the other items, was embedded in sedimentary stone through a natural process known as concretion, not evidence of ancient technology.

What was the role of the Spark Plug Collectors of America in the investigation?

The Spark Plug Collectors of America helped identify the spark plug as a 1920s Champion spark plug, which was commonly used in Ford Model T and Model A engines.

Why is the Koso artifact significant in the context of 'Out-of-Place Artifacts' (OOPArts)?

The Koso artifact gained notoriety because it was thought to be evidence of an ancient, technologically advanced society. Its peculiar nature and the inclusion of a modern spark plug led to debates in the OOPArts community.

What is the current status of the Koso artifact?

The Koso artifact has been lost since 2008, meaning that further scientific analysis of it cannot be performed.