An American woman has been taken into custody and is being questioned for allegedly trying to sell a piece of moon rock for $1.7 million.

The unnamed woman was caught in a sting operation when she was showing the piece of moon rock to a NASA investigator in Lake Elsinore, California.

Speaking on the topic, Sheriff's Sgt. Todd Paulin said, “After conversation, the moon rock was produced inside the restaurant (and) several (sheriff's) investigators and NASA agents moved in on the suspect, took possession of the rock and detained the suspect.”

NASA officials recovered the rock but they have not yet determined the rock is genuine or not. But the woman is certain to face charges of either theft, if the piece is genuine, or fraud, if it is not.

The woman is in custody but the authorities are yet to bring any formal charges against her.

America collected hundreds of moon rocks during a string of missions to the moon in the 1970s. But, the sale of moon rocks is illegal in the country as it is considered as a national treasure.