Cremation Stones in NZ: A Unique & Personal Memorial Option

What is a Cremation Stone in NZ?

A cremation stone is a specially crafted memorial item that contains a small portion of a loved one's ashes. These stones provide a meaningful way to keep a tangible connection with those who have passed away, offering an alternative to traditional urns or scattering ashes. Cremation stones are typically about the size of a half dollar coin or a flattened golf ball, making them convenient for transport and keepsakes.

How Are Cremation Stones Made?

The process of creating a cremation stone involves mixing a portion of the cremains with a bonding agent, such as ceramic, glass, or resin, to form a durable, solid stone. Skilled artisans shape, polish, and personalise these stones to suit the preferences of the bereaved. The finished product is often smooth and can resemble a river stone, gemstone, or even a piece of jewellery.

Why Choose a Cremation Stone?

1. Portability – Unlike an urn, which is typically kept in one place, a cremation stone can be carried or moved easily.

2. Discreet Memorial – These stones do not immediately indicate that they contain ashes, making them a subtle and personal way to remember a loved one.

3. Customisation – Many providers offer engraving, colour variations, and other design elements to make each stone unique.

4. Eco-Friendly Options – Some cremation stones are created using biodegradable materials, allowing them to be returned to nature over time.

Cremation Stones in New Zealand

In New Zealand, cremation stones are becoming an increasingly popular memorial choice. They are often used in home memorial gardens, carried as a keepsake, or even incorporated into larger memorial displays. Some families choose to distribute multiple stones among family members, ensuring that each person has a special token of remembrance.

Several local artisans and memorial services offer cremation stone creation, providing families with options tailored to their specific cultural or personal preferences. Māori and Pasifika communities, in particular, may incorporate traditional elements and symbolism into the design to align with their beliefs and customs.

Where to Get a Cremation Stone?

Many funeral homes, memorial artisans, and online retailers in New Zealand offer cremation stone services. When selecting a provider, it is important to ensure they use high-quality materials and offer customisation options to best reflect the memory of your loved one.

Conclusion

Cremation stones provide a beautiful, lasting tribute to those who have passed. Whether kept in a special place, carried for comfort, or shared among family members, these stones offer a unique and deeply personal way to honour and remember a loved one. As their popularity grows in New Zealand, they continue to offer an alternative to more traditional memorial practices, blending sentiment with artistry in a respectful and meaningful manner.

Definition and Types

A cremation stone is a unique and meaningful way to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one or pet. These stone-like creations are made from the loved one’s ashes, which are purified and transformed into a clay-like material. This material is then placed in a kiln, where it undergoes a solidification process to create a hard, durable stone. Cremation stones come in various colors and shapes, similar in texture to ceramic, and can range in size from a thumbnail to the size of a palm. There are two main types of cremation stones: those made from solidified remains and those made from glass with the ashes infused in the piece during the production process. Each type offers a unique way to keep a tangible connection with the deceased.

The Cremation Stone Process

The process of creating a cremation stone involves several meticulous steps. Initially, the ashes are purified and turned into a clay-like material. This material is then placed in a kiln, where it is heated to a high temperature, resulting in a hard stone. Once the stone is formed, it is lightly polished to reveal its natural colors and texture, creating a beautiful and lasting tribute. The entire process is designed to be eco-friendly and respectful of the deceased loved one’s remains. For glass cremation stones, the ashes are infused into the glass during the production process, resulting in a delicate and stunning piece that captures the essence of the loved one.

Meaning and Significance

Cremation stones hold deep meaning and significance for those who choose them. They symbolize the connection between the deceased loved one and the natural world, serving as a poignant reminder that we come from the earth and return to it after we pass. Each cremation stone is unique, just like the person or pet it represents, and can be personalized with engravings or other customizations. These stones also embody the idea that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed, suggesting that our loved ones continue to exist in a different form. This profound symbolism makes cremation stones a cherished and meaningful memorial option.

Display and Memorial Options

There are numerous ways to display and memorialize cremation stones, allowing for personal and creative expressions of remembrance. They can be kept as a personal keepsake, displayed in a special place such as a home or office, or used as a memorial or tribute to the deceased. Cremation stones can also be incorporated into an outdoor memorial, scattered in nature, or placed in a garden or other outdoor space. Some people choose to display their cremation stones in a decorative container or on a special plinth, while others prefer to keep them simple and unadorned. The versatility of cremation stones makes them suitable for various memorial settings, providing comfort and connection in a tangible form.

Ordering and Creation

To order a cremation stone, families can work with a reputable manufacturer or funeral home. The process typically begins with the collection of the deceased loved one’s ashes, which are then sent to the manufacturer for processing. The manufacturer collaborates with the family to create a customized cremation stone that meets their needs and preferences. The entire process, from ordering to delivery, can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the design and the manufacturer’s workload. This careful and respectful process ensures that each cremation stone is a unique and meaningful tribute to the loved one.