What is Cremation? | How it Works

What is cremation – aside from it being one method of parting with the physical aspects of a deceased loved one? Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery believes that knowing what is involved is helpful when deciding on options for disposition.

The following will help to answer the question what is cremation? and explain the methods we apply in our services.

By Arizona law, cremation is final disposition of the remains. However, it is not a type of funeral service. Cremation is the process of reducing human remains to basic chemical compounds in the form of gasses and bone fragments. This is done through high temperatures and vaporization.  Contrary to popular belief, the cremated remains are not ashes in the typical sense, but dried bone fragments that are a sand-like texture and color and makes it easy to scatter without foreign matter.

After the cremation is complete, all organic bone fragments and non-consumed metal items are “swept” into  into a stainless steel cooling pan.  Items such as dental gold and silver are non-recoverable and are mixed in with the cremated remains. Lastly, they are placed into a temporary or permanent urn, selected by the family.

Upon knowing what is cremation, people choose cremation for different reasons. Some reasons are religious-based. Others select it because of budgetary reason. Others, still, like the option of being able to divide their cremains between grave sites –  like having their ashes buried partly near their parents’ markers and the rest near their spouse. Also, environmental concerns have become more important over the years. Last but not least, it does simplify planning.

We hope this information gives you a better understanding and helps to answer your question about what is cremation? Should you have any other questions about this process, please contact us. Our compassionate staff is available to assist you.