What Is a Cremation Stone?
If a loved one is cremated, you may have heard of the option of getting a “cremation stone” or “cremation rock.” created.
These keepsakes are newer on the market, so you may wonder what they are and why you may consider purchasing one.
What Is a Cremation Stone?
A cremation stone is, simply, a stone-like construction made of a deceased person’s ashes. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and are similar in texture to ceramic. Up to 100% of a person’s ashes can be used in creating cremation stones.
To create a cremation stone, the ash is purified and turned into a clay-like material. This material is then placed in a kiln where it turns into hard “stones” that can range from the size of a thumbnail to the size of a palm.
The colors of cremation stones range from white to sea green, and even a dark reddish-brown. Manufacturers of cremation stones are unsure why the ashes turn these colors during the process.
Once created, the stones are lightly polished before they’re handed over to you.
What to Do With Cremation Stones
There are a lot of ways you can use cremation stones. Here are some ideas:
- Create an outdoor memorial: Install cremation stones in a memorial garden, next to a tree planted for your loved one, or somewhere in your regular garden. They’re as durable as regular stones, so will last outdoors without any extra protection.
- Scatter them in nature: If the deceased loved the outdoors, such as a particular park or spot, you can place their cremation stones there. Similar to scattering ashes, leaving cremation stones on land or in water is a symbolic practice of returning the individual to a place they loved.
- Display them: Placing a cremation stone amongst your home’s decor is a great way to keep your loved one close without it being too obvious. Whether you just place the stone on a shelf or use it as a paperweight, you get a beautiful remembrance in your everyday life.
Cremation Stone FAQs
Here are some common questions related to cremation stones:
- What if the ashes are old? Ash of any age can be used for cremation stones.
- How much ash is needed? The process is designed for the full amount of post-cremation human remains. However, if you only have a small amount of ashes, manufacturers can work with as little as ¼ cup.
- How much ash is lost in the solidification process? Only a small amount of ash is lost in the process.
- Do stone manufacturers also cremate the body? No. You will send the already cremated ashes to a cremation stone manufacturer for solidification.
- How many stones does one body make? That depends on how much ash the manufacturer is given. So, if you provide five pounds of ash, you’ll receive about five pounds of cremation stones.
Memorial Headstones in Maryland
Whether you’re looking to bury your loved one in a family plot or install a memorial stone for someone who’s been cremated, Merkle Monuments can help. We provide exceptional memorial markers, urns, and more to families all across Maryland. Get your project started today.