In the high desert of Santa Fe, a pioneering company is forever changing our relationship with grief and remembrance. Parting Stone has developed a groundbreaking process that transforms the powdery gray ashes of cremation into smooth, polished stones—tangible memories that connect us to those we've lost.

"We wanted to create something people could actually hold in their hands," explained a representative from Parting Stone. "Traditional cremation ashes are challenging for many families—they're dusty, uncomfortable to handle, and often end up forgotten in closets. Our stones provide a physical connection that feels natural and meaningful."

The transformed remains become a collection of solid, hand-polished stones in varying hues of white, blue, green, or other natural tones depending on the individual's unique chemical composition. Each collection tells its own story through distinctive patterns, colors, and textures.

For beloved pets, the process yields between 5-40 stones, while human remains typically produce 40-60 stones—enough for family members to share, creating individual memorial spaces or rituals.

"People keep them in beautiful bowls on mantels, carry one in their pocket through difficult days, or even place them in meaningful outdoor locations," the representative shared. "It's changing how we interact with what remains after cremation."

This solidification technology represents a profound shift in memorial practices, addressing the uncomfortable reality that traditional cremated remains often become an emotional burden rather than a source of comfort.

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The Solidification Process

The transformation begins when a family sends their loved one's cremated remains to Parting Stone's laboratory. There, skilled technicians carefully process the ashes through a proprietary technique that solidifies the remains without adding fillers or artificial materials.

The fundamental elements present in the body—calcium, carbon, oxygen—remain intact throughout the process, preserving the complete essence of the individual. After solidification, each stone is hand-polished to reveal its unique characteristics and natural beauty.

For pet memorials, the process typically yields between 5-40 stones from a dog or cat's remains, with variations based on the size of the pet and volume of cremated remains. Human remains generally produce more stones, allowing extended families to share in the memorial.

This revolutionary approach offers a solution to challenges many face with traditional cremation ashes. Rather than keeping remains in an urn that collects dust or scattering ashes in a one-time ceremony, these stones become touchstones of memory that can be integrated into daily life or passed down through generations.

The solidification process preserves 100% of the remains, transforming what was once uncomfortable to handle into objects of beauty that honor the enduring presence of those we've loved and lost.

For more information about this innovative memorial option, interested readers can visit the company's website at partingstone.com.