Different cremains create unique outcomes

This article was contributed by Paula, Charles' Wife.

Creating glass memorials is a rewarding part of our business, and the nerdy side of me is occasionally amazed at the outcome of borosilicate and cremains. True, not dinner party conversation, but I sometimes wish I had a background in chemestry to help me understand the reactions that we see. 

I’ve learned that your cremated remains are the fingerprints of your bones. Your ash which is largely  tricalciumphosphate, could have varying traces of up to 60 different mineral elements. Where you lived, how you grew up, your health and diet and more all contribute to this final difference. 

Plus when Charles creates your glass memorial he uses borosilicate glass.  Clear boro is mainly silica and borontrioxide. Colored boro uses the addition of many different different elements including iron, copper, chromium, gold, cadium and more to produce the hundreds of colors used in borosilicate glassart. 

Now you must imagine (use that nerdy part of your brain) what happens when #Charlie combines everything together to create your treasured memorial. Using a benchtorch and working at about 2200 Fahrenheit he blends metals, oxides and elements to create a truly one of a kind piece. Just like the life that was led by your loved one. 

Here in this post, the first marble memorial is similar to what we usually see.  The white cremains blends into the marble and doesn't strongly affect the coloring.  The second marble has utilized dark cremains and creates a lovely marbling effect in the finished marble.

Life is amazing, eh? Sometimes things are amazing after life as well. I’d like to think this person led a colorful life.

Two Marbles with Different Cremains from Spirit Pieces on Vimeo.