The death of a loved one is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. A dying person can have various wishes, such as wanting their bodies to be taken care of. Many people choose cremation for various reasons, such as wanting their ashes to be scattered or buried somewhere else. However, many people who choose cremation also want their remains to be with their families.
In a way, preserving a deceased person’s cremains respects them. With this in mind, many people wonder how long cremains can last. While it’s possible, there’s no single answer to this question because it can depend on various factors.
This article will shed light on the longevity of a cremated person’s ashes. Read on below to get started.
How Long Do Cremains Stay Cremains?
The primary misconception with cremains is that they’re actually what’s left of bone fragments after cremation, not ashes. In other words, they don’t biodegrade naturally.
However, they can stop being cremated in a sense because they can mix with other substances, such as the soil and water, to a point where they’re indistinguishable.
Cremains in the Ground
According to experts, cremains in the ground will generally stay as they are for decades. While they can technically biodegrade, it’s a prolonged process. For example, it could take years before they mix with the soil in a garden.
It’s also worth noting that cremains buried in soil will remain there even after the soil has been moved, so you can be sure that they’re going to be around for a while.
Cremains in Water
Cremains in water can last for a while as well. How long they’ll stay in the water depends on many factors, such as the surrounding temperature, the type of container that they’re in, and, of course, the quality of the water itself.
If you decide to put your loved one’s cremains in water, you should consider choosing an urn that’s made of waterproof material, such as stainless steel or hard plastic.
In some cases, cremains can sink to the bottom of the water and get trapped in the sediment. However, it’s a rare occurrence, and you shouldn’t worry about it. For the most part, cremains in water can last for years.
Cremains in a Cemetery
If you decide to bury your loved one’s cremains in a cemetery, you can be sure that they’re going to stay there for a long time.
However, it’s essential to know that you should never bury the cremains in a cemetery without a casket. Doing so is against the law. Instead, you should look for cremation urns specifically designed for burial. Also, make sure to contact the cemetery beforehand to have the urn interred.
Cremains in an Urn
The longevity of cremains in an urn can also vary, but generally speaking, they can stay well preserved for decades.
The type of urn that you choose is necessary too. For example, suppose you decide to put the cremains in a biodegradable urn or an urn that includes organic matter. In that case, they’ll naturally biodegrade quicker than if you chose a non-organic one.
The best way to make sure the cremains stay preserved is to choose a wooden urn. However, if you decide to put them in a metal urn, make sure to choose one that’s made of high-quality metal. Also, you should make sure that you keep the urn in a cool, dry place.
In some cases, people choose to put the cremains in a piece of jewelry or some other type of object to display them. If you’re interested in this option, you should count on the cremains staying preserved for a few years before needing to be replaced.
Conclusion
So the answer to the question: “how long do cremains stay cremains?” is: It depends. The longevity of cremains can vary depending on factors such as the surrounding temperature, the type of container they’re in, and the quality of the water or soil they’re in.
Evergreen JAX provides top-quality services for cremation in Jacksonville, Florida. We understand how important your deceased loved one is to you, so we will ensure that their final moments are in safe hands. Contact us today to learn more!
