After your departure from this earth, a granite headstone may eventually be the only reminder to those living at the time that you were a part of their history. If so, you may be wondering what type of material is most appropriate for a headstone. While they can provide a beautiful starting marker, slate, sandstone, and marble simply don’t provide the durability of granite or bronze.
Granite provides a long-lasting marker that isn’t likely to be destroyed anytime soon. It is imperative that it rain, mold, fungus and hail. It is very difficult for these stones to break or crack. The letters and paint will last at least a century and more with proper care by the cemetery maintenance team. If the stone is washed every few years with running water, the effects of acid rain are minimized.
Bronze is also a good option and can be attached to a granite or other marker. The raised letters on these headstones give them a slightly longer life expectancy. Even if not properly cared for, bronze can last a couple of centuries and even longer with proper care.
One way to know that the marker you put up will have the longest lifespan is to take a walk through the graveyard you’re considering. Note the condition of the stones that are there now. Look for the oldest headstones, especially ones that are more than a century old. Headstones should not have moss growing on them, cracks should be repaired, and there should be no broken headstones. Also, good care signs include stones where the letters remain legible.
A thousand years from now, the marks that will remain will most likely be the ones made of bronze or granite today. These materials offer time-tested appeal. They are the materials of choice for the construction of buildings and the decorative signs and trim that surround them. These materials stay strong against weather and natural disasters.
Climate change is another factor to consider. Over the past 1,000 years, the earth’s climate has undergone significant changes, and they are likely to continue. However, the exposed granite of the mountains continues to resist these changes.
Memorials and headstones must be able to stand the test of time. Eventually, they are the only sign that you made a difference on the planet. Choose the most durable materials, like granite or bronze, to create a long-lasting marker.