I've had this for 2-3 years and have kept it stored at home. I've handled it, but I've never dropped it on the ground. I've never taken it outside and thrown it. I've polished it with a cloth, but I've never used any rust-prevention chemicals. I believe the silver color of the shot put is a coating (rust prevention). I think that if it's thrown repeatedly in practice, this silver color will wear off and reveal the shot put's original iron color.