Would it shock you that cremated remains are tracked by clipping paperwork to it? In addition to that, most people are surprised to learn “ashes” from cremation are not actually ashes like campfire ash. After cremation, what remains are calcified bone fragments. The soft tissue is reduced by heat, but bone doesn’t burn away completely, it transforms. Those bone fragments are "swept" out of the crematory retort and held in steel bins to cool, as pictured above. Notice the decedents paperwork is clipped to each container? One cool, the bone fragments are then placed in a special machine called a cremulator, which pulverizes them into the fine, sand-like consistency most people recognize as cremated remains. This step is necessary so the remains can be safely returned to families and fit inside an urn or keepsake vessel. This is why remains sometimes vary in texture or color, from white sand to gray kitty litter- it depends on temperature, time, bone density, and even age or medical history. Death care shouldn’t be mysterious. You deserve honest education about what happens to the people we love. 💚 #crematedremains #lessonsfromthecrematory