Materials that Common to use in Headstone Or Gravestone
The material of the headstone is a very important element to consider as
it can affect your placement options and the visual properties of the
design. In addition, the durability of the stone or metal can
significantly impact the longevity. Here, some kinds of stone that
usually use as the materials of headstone or gravestone.
- Fieldstones. The earliest markers for graves were natural fieldstone, some unmarked and others decorated or incised using a metal awl. Typical motifs for the carving included a symbol and the deceased's
name and age.
- Granite. Granite is a
hard stone and requires skill to carve by hand. Modern methods of carving
include using computer-controlled rotary bits and sandblasting over a
rubber stencil. Leaving the letters, numbers and emblems exposed on the
stone, the blaster can create virtually any kind of artwork or epitaph.
- Marble and limestone. Both limestone and marble take carving well. Marble is a recrystallised form of limestone. The
mild acid in rainwater can slowly dissolve marble and limestone over time,
which can make inscriptions unreadable. Portland stone was a type of limestone commonly used in England—after weathering,
fossiliferous deposits tend to appear on the surface. Marble became popular from the early 19th century, though its extra cost
limited its appeal.
- Sandstone. Sandstone is
durable, yet soft enough to carve easily. Some sandstone markers are so
well preserved that individual chisel marks are discernible, while others
have delaminated and
crumbled to dust. Delamination occurs when moisture gets between the
layers of the sandstone. As it freezes and expands the layers flake off.
In the 17th century, sandstone replaced field stones in Colonial
America. Yorkstone was a common sandstone material used in England.
- Slate. Slate can have a pleasing texture but is slightly porous and prone to delamination. It takes lettering well, often highlighted with white paint or gilding.
- Travertin is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, especially hot water. Travertin often has a fibrous or concentric appearance and there are white, brown and cream-colored varieties.
Tags : Tombstone