In my basement there is an unused plugged 6in pipe full of millions of very tiny balls, copper/orange in color (quite a bit smaller than a typical BB). They dont appear to be hollow or filled with anything, so i assume they are not spider/insect eggs. perhaps copper vein droplets? im not even sure what to google to begin searching for other options.
Sounds like someone was in the process of making a pipe bomb. Turn it over to someone in law enforcement.
I found them in my basement too. We think they are slow release fertilizer balls. I'm hoping that that's what it is. I wouldn't bother the police with it.
