How much ash is produced when a body is cremated? About 5 pounds for an adult. The weight can vary from 3 pounds all the way up to 10, depending on the size and density of the deceased's bones. Organ tissue, fat, and fluids burn away during cremation, leaving only bone behind when the incineration's completed.
You certainly can! There are several regulations governing ash spreading, but none governing ash division. Following a loved one's cremation, some families prefer to split the ashes.
They include the remains of the individual, including bone fragments that may have been pulverized after the cremation. The cremains also include particles from the clothing and container. When the process is complete, the family may choose to pick up the cremains, which are first placed in a heavy, plastic bag.
Cremated remains weight
The ashes from a woman average around 4-6 lbs, while men average 6-8 lbs. As with anything involving the human body, it can vary.
You don't get ash back.
Once you burn off all the water, soft tissue, organs, skin, hair, cremation container/casket, etc., what you're left with is bone. When complete, the bones are allowed to cool to a temperature that they can be handled and are placed into a processing machine.
The only parts of the body that are removed before cremation are artificial ones like a medical device or implant with a battery, silicone, pins, radiation pressurization, pacemakers, and large hip, knee, and shoulder replacements along with any external jewelry.
IDENTIFICATION DISK
Before the body goes into the oven, a stainless steel disk around the size of a quarter with a unique number is placed with it. That number is then recorded on the paperwork of the deceased. Since the disk doesn't melt, it will remain in tact with the ashes that you receive.
As a general rule, it is disrespectful to open an urn contrary to the decedent's wishes or beliefs, or for your own curiosity or benefit. You can be confident that you are treating your loved one with proper respect if you are opening the urn to follow their instructions (for scattering, etc) or to honor their memory.
The average cremated adult will produce about five pounds of pulverized bone fragments, a coarse powder that is sterile and safe to touch, even if the person died of a communicable disease.
Can two people's ashes be mixed together? Yes. Mixing ashes is a common process known as “commingling.” Commingling means that the couple's cremated remains are mixed, or “mingled” together in an urn, most often a companion urn.
Keeping the ashes of your loved one in your home is one of the most sensitive things you could do, as it's a great way to honor them and their life. You can store the ashes in the beautifully constructed cremation urn and display it in your home, or opt for a cremation urn designed for burials—the choice is all yours.
The next-of-kin (or the person designated as executor) has responsibility for the ashes. Practically speaking, usually it's the person who arranges and pays for the funeral and/or cremation who picks up the ashes after the cremation is complete. Related: The Cremation Process - How Does Cremation Work?
The actual ashes are thus useless as they will not contain DNA. It is the bones and teeth that could potentially hold some DNA viable for analysis. However, after the cremation, the bones and teeth left behind are turned into a find powder (a process known as pulverization).
The cremation process for humans takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. The body is placed in a retort, which is then heated to between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the body burns, and the bones turn to ash.
Ashes are heavier than some people expect
But human ashes aren't the same type of ash - they're made of bone. Bones are made of various acids, minerals, and salts, which means they're heavier than many people expect.
"The Church raises no doctrinal objections to this practice, since cremation of the deceased's body does not affect his or her soul, nor does it prevent God, in his omnipotence, from raising up the deceased body to new life."
According to new guidelines from the Vatican's doctrinal office, cremated remains should be kept in a “sacred place” such as a church cemetery. Ashes should not be divided up between family members, “nor may they be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry or other objects.”
Cremation ashes are typically light grey or white in color and the texture is relatively uniform, but coarse. An average adult's cremation ashes weigh about 5 pounds and have an approximate volume of 170 to 200 cubic inches.
Scatter By Hand
Another method of how to scatter ashes is by hand. In this method, the family usually walks out to the desired location and scatters the ashes directly from the urn onto the ground. This can be a very peaceful experience for all involved.
The applicant for cremation may collect and retain the cremated remains if required. Some crematoria will keep cremated remains for a limited period and some may make a charge for this service.
Why do families need to wait? These different state laws are based on the typical amount of time it takes to complete authorizations, like issuing a death certificate. Because the crematorium needs the death certificate before they can cremate the body, this delays the process and is built into the waiting period.
Is the brain removed before cremation? Removing organs before cremation does not happen. Even if an autopsy has been performed, the organs are cremated.
The bones of the body do not burn in fire. Why do the bones not burn in fire? For the burning of bone, a very high temperature of 1292 degrees Fahrenheit is required. At this temperature also, the calcium phosphate from which the bones are made will not entirely turn into ash.