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From: "Kevin Sholder" <>
Subject: [TMG] OT - Cemetery Stone Facts
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 2004 21:36:10 -0500


All,

Found this interesting and thought I would pass it along. I did some quick
research so I could accurately describe stones that I was looking at.

Flat or Flush Marker - A flush, or grass level marker is used when required
by the cemetery. It was originally assigned for ease of maintenance for the
cemetery. As with all memorials, a flush marker can be used to mark one or
more graves.

Bevel Marker - Bevel markers are designed to be placed above ground on a
concrete foundation. This style is slight higher in the back than the
front, and is more visible in the cemetery.

Slant Marker - Slant face markers are usually 16" high in back and the face
"slants" towards the ground. This not only allows the marker to be seen
from a greater distance, but also allows greater face area for the design
and lettering.

Upright Memorial - The upright memorial is the most popular. You will see
an endless variety of shapes and size available. This style can be used to
mark any number of graves.


Most common materials - limestone, sandstone, marble or granite

When placed outside, limestone, sandstone and marble all absorb moisture
internally and erode from the inside out. This erosion is called
"spalling." Limestone, sandstone and marble have an "erosion factor," or
wear away outside at about 1/8" - 1/2" every 75 to 125 years. Granite on
the other hand is so hard that it does not absorb enough moisture to
"spall," but rather erodes from the outside in, similar to typical
weathering. Because of this, granite has an "erosion factor" of about 1/10
of an inch every two to five thousand years.

Kevin

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