If you are new to the study of burial markers and don’t come from a geologic background or have prior knowledge in basic geology, grasping the differences in materials found in cemeteries might seem like a monumental (hah) task!
There are three forms of weathering types that effect gravestones: Chemical, Physical, and Biological. For more information on these types, see GC97EWE Weathering Types in Wauseon Cemetery - Earthcache.
Basically stones, like all things, wear away. But they can also last a heck of a lot longer than the bodies buried beneath them! Without further ado, lets discuss the geology, pros, and cons of common stone types you’ll encounter.
While technology has expanded the types of designs and writing we can put on gravestones, the basic materials have stayed the same for centuries. Seven of the most common materials used in gravestones and monuments include:
1. Granite
An exquisite stone of natural beauty, granite is unearthed in huge chunks then polished and shaped. The most practically priced grave marker material, it resists high heat, low temperatures and acid rain pollution. Once it’s set, a granite marker is challenging to clean because of a white film that tends to build up over time. A good polishing brings back its luster.
2. Marble
Most commonly used from the 1850s to the 1920s, marble was cheap and easy to polish, cut and carve with tools available at the time. But although marble polishes well, moisture tends to gradually erode details from the stone, blurring names, dates and other carvings. In addition, sugaring (a steady dissolution of the surface) creates a harsh granular, crystalline look.
3. Bronze
A copper alloy customarily used for fabricating weapons and tools, bronze adds elegant detailing in headstone design. While liked for its durability and protection against weather, it forms a green patina that’s not to everyone’s taste. Restoring it to its original sheen requires many chemical treatments and a lot of elbow grease.
4. Concrete or cement
Often chosen because it can be shaped and formed in unique ways, concrete is susceptible to mold and mildew. Grave markers made of these materials need to be cleaned more often.
5. Iron
Popular during the Victorian era, iron grave markers are made by special foundries or blacksmiths. Cast iron can last for generations, while wrought iron lives on in a rusted or eroded state.
6. Sandstone and limestone
Both sandstone and limestone are popular choices because they’re easy to carve. The drawback, however, is a lack of durability. Limestone does not polish well and often breaks and cracks at the bedding planes. A freeze-thaw cycle destroys small pieces of sandstone.Sandstone is usually a reddish brown color while limestone is white.
7. Fieldstone
A naturally occurring rock, fieldstone is mostly used as a building material. It is found in local fields and washed, carved and decorated.
Answer the following questions to receive credit for this Earthcache. Answers can be sent to my profile page. Please do not add pictures of the stone examples used in this cache to your logs. And as always --- CITO when you can, obey all cemetery rules, replace downed flags and be respectful of the area.
**NOTE - Coords have been taken more times than you know! Weather, tree cover, device used, etc will cause inconsistent but similar readings. Please remember that readings can be up to 16' off and be sure to look around the area if you don't see the head stone right away.
Stage 1 - "JANE" - What type of material is used for this stone? What is its current physical condition (do you see any deterioration)?
Stage 2 - David Dunham - This material is typical for this type of burial. What is the material and can you think of any other place in the USA that would have a cemetery with mostly this type of stone material?
Stage 3 - Raymond Roe - I picked this particular stone so you can see the same material finished in a couple different ways (raw and polished). What is the material?
Stage 4 - Rupp - Do you see this type of stone and shape used often in cemeteries? What is the material?
Stage 5 - Goodwin - What material is this marker made of? How do you think it will weather?
I hope you enjoyed this Earthcache and learned a few things along the way.