What Types Of Cremation Urns Are There?

Once our loved ones depart for the heavenly abode, their memories and ashes alone remain in our lives. And for preserving these ashes, cremation urns are used, which are the vessels or containers that are made to hold the ashes. 

These vessels are crafted using different methods and materials depending upon people’s needs and beliefs. In certain traditions and cultures, it is believed that urns with a covered cloth symbolize the death of a person and helps to hold the soul. These beliefs vary from place to place and the people living in that geographic location. However, most of these traditions give importance to the type of urn they use as per their opinions behind it. This write-up covers such different types of cremation urns that are being popularly used among many traditions and people. 

1.Wooden urns

It can be understood from the name, that these ash containers are made from wooden material. They lend an earthly look made from nature’s wealth. These urns come in different shapes and are closed with tight lids using screws. Most of the wooden urns are made by hand, thus making them more traditional. The color and the quality of the urns are decided by the type of wood used for making it. Some popular wood types used for crafting the wooden urns are:

• Mahogany
• Rosewood
• Walnut
• Oak
• Cedar
• Maple 
• Morado hardwood

Using the right craftsmanship, these wooden urns get a more appealing look and are made perfect to keep as a memorial object.

2. Metal urns

Metal urns are custom made with different kinds of metals for holding the ashes. These containers express a solid look and come in different colors and varieties. It exhibits a strong look, durability, and shows the uniqueness of the metal used. Typical metal ash containers come in three different shapes – Square, Rectangle and Vase. The square containers and rectangular urns have ordinary bases along with the box-shaped wall protections. The vase containers give an elegant look by combining curves and smooth edges. The metals used for such urns are:

• Aluminium
• Bronze
• Iron
• Pewter
• Silver
• Gold

3. Stone urns

Many traditions are popular in crafting stone urns with beautiful inscriptions and carvings. Stone urns have a rigid surface and provide complete protection for the remains inside the container. The majority of stone containers are made from cultured stone materials which makes them more affordable and easier to design. While considering the options for cinerary urns for burials, these stone urns are a very good option as they are degradable and less expensive as well. The most popular stone urns are made using the materials listed below.

• Marble
• Granite
• Quartz
• Slate
• Onyx
• Alabaster

4. Ceramic urns

Materials like ceramic are quite famous for their shiny looks and embellishments. The same goes for ceramic urns. Since it’s a handmade pottery vessel, it pours out a classy look and a theme in every design. Also, these urns can be made in versatile shapes with unique custom designs. 

5. 3D Art urns

These are some modern types of urns made with trending technology and practices. It focuses on the looks of the container and the art behind it. They are made with 3D printing technologies in soft and rigid materials and woods. Using the modern designing method, different types of grand arts and sculptures can be made in these containers. It gives a three-dimensional view of the arts created in the urns with an astonishing look.

6. Single tuned urns

These are unique style of urns that are made from one single material (mostly wood) with different cuts and joints. These ash holders are smoothened by hand and crafted with simple tools. These tuned urns are hard to find as they are made by skilled craftsmen. 

7. Biodegradable cremation urns

Unlike the normal urns that are created to exist for a very long time, there are certain types of ash containers that are custom-made for biodegradable burials and throw-offs in water bodies. These are made from eco-friendly products that are quicker in composting and disintegration. Few materials used for biodegradable urns are:

• Green paper
• Mud
• Wood
• Moss
• Green plants and leaves

There is no compulsion that one needs to use a specific type of urn for storing the ashes of their loved ones. As per one’s wishes and the affordability, any type of urn is okay as long as it creates a lasting memory for the people left behind.