Cremation has become a trendy end-of-life choice in many parts of the world. With more and more people choosing this form of disposition, there are always questions regarding how the process is handled, with emphasis on the amount and number of remains that are left. This paper gives a professional insight into what should be expected post-cremation.
The Cremation Process
Before discussing the quantity of ashes, it’s essential to realize how cremation works. The body is placed within a special furnace called a retort, where the temperature ranges between 1,400°F to 1,800°F (760°C to 980°C). In this high temperature, the body is reduced to its essential elements, mainly calcium phosphates and minor salts. It usually takes between 2-3 hours, dependent on:
– The physical size
– The fat/muscle percentage
– The temperature within the cremation chamber.
After cremation, the metal is removed either by hand or with the use of a magnet. The remaining bone pieces are then pulverized into a fine powder, usually known as “ashes.”
Amount of Ashes
The amount of ashes left after cremation can vary exceedingly because of the most critical factor: the body size of the deceased. On average:
– Adult: 3 to 7 pounds (1.4 to 3.2 kg)
– Large Adult: Up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms)
– Child: About 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms)
– Infant: Less than 1 pound (0.45 kg)
It’s perhaps one of the biggest myths out there—that a more prominent person will provide a significant amount more in ashes. Although there is some correlation, the difference isn’t nearly as substantial as many expect. This is because much of the body’s mass in more prominent individuals is often soft tissue, almost wholly consumed during cremation.
granite ashes
Composition of Ashes
Contrary to popular belief, cremated remains are not the same as “ashes” in the usual sense. They do not consist of ashes or cinders, like those that would remain after a fire in a wood stove or a fire pit. Rather, they contain:
1. 70% Calcium Phosphates: They constitute the majority of human bone.
2. 25% Minor Salts: Containing sodium and potassium.
3. 5% Other Minerals: Small amounts of zinc, iron, sulfur, and others.
Color of ashes may vary. The most common being a light grey color to a pale white, Reddish tint if the deceased had a higher iron content, and Dark grey to black if the deceased was taking certain medications. Very importantly, there is no organic material in the ashes. The cremation process fully incinerates soft tissues on the body, i.e., skin, organs, and muscles themselves, but leaves only the inorganic part of the bones.
What Happens to the Rest of the Body?
A typical adult body is composed of:
– 65% water
– 20% protein
– 10% fat
– 5% minerals.
During cremation:
– Water evaporates.
– Proteins, and fats are converted to gases, primarily carbon dioxide and water vapor
– Minerals remain as ashes.
This explains why only about 3-7 pounds of remains are left from a body that may have weighed 150-200 pounds or more.
Inurnment and Disposition of Ashes
The cremated remains are typically returned to the family in a temporary container or an urn of the family’s choosing. Many families choose to either:
1. Intern the cremated remains into a columbarium niche
2. Bury them in a cemetery plot
3. Scatter in an area of significance (always check the local laws)
4. Place them in a decorative urn within the home
5. Divide them among family members
6. They can be placed in unique keepsakes.
Knowing what to expect after cremation helps families make an informed decision during a difficult time. Though the amount of ashes may seem very small compared to the physical body of a person during his life, they represent basic building blocks that took an active part in the earthly venture of a person. The remains, either close to home or back to earth, provide a tangible connection to the loved one, thereby helping in the process of remembrance on the one hand and grief on the other.