Grave headstones are used to indicate the grave; they are usually placed over a grave. They are considered as traditional for burials in many religions across the globe.
Raw materials used for headstone
Earlier, grave headstones were made of slates. After that, marbles were extensively used, but after time the marble would undergo corrosion and the particulars of the inanimate would become unreadable. So granite became the preferred material for grave headstones due to its properties and availability. Granite is the prime material in today's memorials. Granite is available in many colors like dark or light gray, pink, white. Granite is made from molten material, which is slowly cooled.
Headstone Designs
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There are many ways to personalize grave headstones. Obituaries range from sacred statements to mysterious and amusing statements. Dimensions of the grave headstones also vary. All stones are polished and carved generally using machines and thoroughly detailed by hand.
Inscriptions on Headstone
In most cases grave headstones have the inanimate d’s name on it. It also can have date of birth, date of death on them. In addition, some gravestones bear a short text honoring the in animated person. In some cases, it might also have funerary art, details in stone sculpture. Large graveyards might require unique reference code to help accurately fix the location for maintenance.
The Manufacturing Process of Headstone
- The first and foremost step is to choose the color and type of the stone. The granite or marble block is then cut according to the desired size.
- Blocks are usually about 3*3*10(lbh), weighing about 9k kgs.
- After arriving at the manufacturing factory, the granite slabs are cut into smaller slabs. Then the slabs are neatly polished.
- The polished slab is then moved along the belt to break them and they are vertically cut through the stone.
- Then they are constructed into appropriate shape, usually done by hand using hammers or multi-blade diamond saw.
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- Then, in a highly automated process, the surfaces of the stones are again polished.
- If tangled stone shapes are needed, the polished stone is moved to diamond cable saw.
- Then the headstone is ready for finishing and it is exposed for the impression. A liquid gum is applied to the headstone. A rubber device over the gum and then shielded with the charcoal/graphite-backed layout of the design.
- Finally, the stone is then sprinkled with high pressure steam to remove any left over gum or stencil. It is again waxed and inspected closely and wrapped to protect the finish and shipped to the customer.
Form and decoration of Headstone
Grave Headstones may be simple, vertical slabs with rounded, square, semi circular or other shaped tops. 74. In the 19th century, headstone forms became very distinctive, ranging from simple to highly decorated slabs. Some restraint surrounds, sometimes filled with glass crumbles, are popular during 20th century. But lately, again simple decorations are more popular. Islamic grave headstones are generally a rectangular vertical shaft, which are often capped with carved topknot hat symbol.
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Preservation of Headstone
Over time a headstone may clear up or its textures drain. After several such instances, some burial authorities did collapse test by applying solid force on grave headstones to check for stability. They may then bind them off or flatten them. Go with the good quality in choosing the best grave headstone for your dear ones. The maintenance of grave headstones is in the first instance is the responsibility of the family of the inanimate. If the family refuses to pay the cost for maintenance, then the responsibility for any cause may rest with graveyard community. No grave headstones are removed from the graveyard.