The weeks after a loved one passes are incredibly tough. You're trying to process complicated emotions while also facing difficult decisions about their final arrangements. If traditional flame-based cremation doesn't feel right, there's a gentler alternative: aquamation. This quiet, water-based method, sometimes called aqua cremation, offers a peaceful transition. Understanding the aquamation process can bring comfort, helping you choose a service that truly honors their memory. It’s a choice that feels more like a gentle release than a fiery farewell.
While there’s no wrong way to lay our remarkable loved ones to rest, this is a deeply personal decision. Choosing between burial, donation to science, and the different forms of cremation is an opportunity to honor your loved one’s values even after they’ve passed on.
Although many of us are familiar with flame-based cremation, a new form of cremation is gaining popularity. Aquamation is a liquid-based type of cremation that is considered more environmentally friendly than heat-based cremation.
Understanding all of our options for post-life services can help us and our loved ones make a confident and thoughtful choice for our final resting places. Each option has unique benefits that can honor our impact and legacy for generations to come.
If you are researching different forms of death care or post-life services, here is everything you need to know about aquamation.
Understanding Your End-of-Life Options
Death is a natural process that every person will face. Although we all process death differently, there will come a time when each of us loses an incredible loved one. When we make decisions regarding our loved one’s post-life services, we look to the death care industry for help.
The death care industry is comprised of the many end-of-life services that help us celebrate our remarkable loved ones and lay them to rest in a way that is honorable and hygienic.
This includes everything from cremation and burial to providing funeral and memorial services. The death care industry is dynamic and varied with many options to honor different walks of life, religions, and personal preferences.
The most popular forms of post-life services include burial and cremation. Each of these forms has histories stretching back centuries, and for many years earthen burials were the most common method of death care services. However, cremation has recently become the most popular form of death care, especially in the United States.
A Look at Traditional Cremation
Cremation’s rise in popularity has both financial and sentimental explanations.
For many people, cremation is a more financially affordable option. While families can decide to have a traditional funeral service before the cremation takes place, we can also choose to forgo costs built into these traditional services like caskets and embalming through direct cremation.
However, that isn’t to say that cremation takes away memorial opportunities for friends and family members. There are many ways that we can use cremated ashes to show how much we care for our remarkable loved ones.
Whether we choose to hold a traditional funeral service using an urn in lieu of a casket, scatter our loved one’s ashes in an emotionally significant space, or create memorial jewelry, cremation provides plenty of ways to celebrate our loved one’s remarkable lives.
What is Aquamation (or Aqua Cremation)?
Aquamation is a newer form of cremation that is typically seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to flame-based cremation. This can make aquamation a wonderful choice for loved ones who were passionate about sustainability and the environment.
Aquamation is a form of cremation that uses a liquid solution to create ashes, rather than a heat-based process. If you’re curious about what aquamation entails, let's look at exactly what aquamation is and how it’s unique from traditional cremation.
A Brief History of Aquamation
While aquamation may seem like a modern innovation, the science behind it has been around for over a century. The process, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, was first patented in 1888 as a method for turning animal carcasses into a useful fertilizer. For many years, it was primarily used in agricultural settings and for the disposition of bodies donated to medical science. It wasn't until 2005 that the Mayo Clinic installed the first system intended for human remains, introducing it as a gentle, water-based alternative to traditional cremation. Today, the practice is legal in many states and is becoming a more widely available option for both people and pets, offering a different path for those seeking an eco-conscious choice for their final arrangements.
Aquamation vs. Cremation: Key Differences
The cremation process traditionally used flame-based heat that transforms our loved one’s remains into organic materials like bones. Any materials that can’t be broken down by heat are physically broken down further into what we know as ashes.
Aquamation also breaks down remains into organic materials, providing ashes that are returned to surviving friends and family members. The difference lies in the way this ash is created — it uses a liquid solution instead of flame-based heat.
The Cremation Process Explained
In flame-based cremation, remains are placed in a specialized oven at a crematorium that is called a retort. A retort is designed to hold remains specifically for cremation. This is a heavily restricted and regulated process to ensure that your loved ones’ remains are treated hygienically and with respect and dignity.
For human cremation, each body is given its own retort. While we may choose to cremate our beloved pets in a communal or partitioned cremation alongside other remains, this is not allowed during human cremation.
This ensures not only that the body is treated with dignity but also that the ashes are never mixed or lost. The average body produces four to six pounds of ashes which can then be used in memorials to celebrate our incredible loved ones.
Understanding the Aquamation Process
The aquamation process involves transforming remains into ash through alkaline hydrolysis. It is considered more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than flame-based cremation.
During aquamation, your loved one’s remains are submerged in a stainless steel container that contains a liquid solution of 95% water and 5% potassium or sodium hydroxide. This solution has an extremely high pH level, which makes it alkaline in nature. Alkaline solutions are commonly used to help clean and sterilize equipment because they break down residual build-up well.
In this solution, soft tissue undergoes what is known as alkaline hydrolysis. This is a technical term that denotes the breakdown of organic material due to the high pH of the solution. This process is 100% natural, unlike the conditions of flame-based heat cremation.
Alkaline hydrolysis speeds up the remains’ natural process of being broken down over time, similar to earthen burial. This is one of the reasons why some people see aquamation as a more natural form of cremation with a smaller carbon footprint.
The container that the solution and remains are held in is heated to catalyze the chemical reaction of emulsification. When the temperature and pressure are raised to specific conditions, the process of emulsification can happen within a day.
What is left after aquamation is identical to what is leftover in traditional cremation, bone material, and any other substances that were not organic such as implanted medical devices. These devices are removed from the bones if they are present, and then the bones are collected and processed like in cremation.
The result is a white, greyish powder that is commonly referred to as human ashes. These ashes are typically placed in an urn and given to surviving loved ones, just like they would be during flame-based cremation.
High-Temperature vs. Low-Temperature Methods
The main difference between traditional cremation and aquamation is the method used to break down the body. Flame-based cremation is a high-temperature process, using fire in a chamber that reaches over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the body to bone fragments. These fragments are then carefully processed into the fine powder we recognize as ashes. This is the method most people are familiar with and has been a standard practice for many years.
Aquamation, on the other hand, is a low-temperature, water-based process. It uses a gentle solution of 95% water and 5% alkaline compounds, heated to a much lower temperature of around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This process, called alkaline hydrolysis, accelerates the natural breakdown of soft tissue over several hours, leaving behind the same bone material as flame cremation. For many, this quieter, water-based approach feels like a more peaceful and natural option.
What Happens to DNA During the Process?
It’s natural to wonder what happens to a person’s unique genetic makeup during these processes. In both flame cremation and aquamation, the conditions are too extreme for DNA to survive. The intense heat of flame cremation completely breaks down the organic molecules of DNA. Similarly, the chemical process of alkaline hydrolysis in aquamation reduces the body to its basic chemical components, which also results in the destruction of DNA.
While the DNA is gone, the essential elements that formed your loved one remain. Most importantly, the carbon that was a fundamental part of their physical being is preserved within the ashes. This purified carbon is what makes it possible to create a memorial diamond, transforming the very building blocks of their life into a beautiful and lasting tribute that can be held close and cherished forever.
What Remains After Each Process
Though the journey is different, the destination for both traditional cremation and aquamation is quite similar. Both processes provide families with the cremated remains of their loved one, which can then be kept, scattered, or transformed into a beautiful memorial that honors their unique life and legacy. Understanding what you receive can help you plan the perfect tribute.
Remains from Traditional Cremation
After a flame-based cremation, the material returned to the family is commonly called "ashes," but it’s primarily composed of processed bone fragments. The average body produces four to six pounds of ashes which can then be used in memorials to celebrate our incredible loved ones. These remains contain the essential carbon from your loved one, which allows for the creation of deeply personal keepsakes. For many, transforming these ashes into a timeless memorial, like a memorial diamond, provides a tangible connection and a way to carry their story forward.
Remains from Aquamation
The aquamation process yields a result that is nearly identical to that of flame-based cremation. What is left after aquamation is bone material and any other non-organic substances, like medical implants, which are removed beforehand. The result is a white, greyish powder that is commonly referred to as human ashes. These ashes are typically placed in an urn and given to surviving loved ones, just like they would be during flame-based cremation. This means you have all the same options for memorializing your loved one, as the essential elements needed for unique tributes are still present.
Which is More Eco-Friendly: Aquamation or Cremation?
Aquamation has a couple of different names, one of which is green cremation. This is because it uses significantly less energy than flame-based cremation. Also, because there is no active burning, there are fewer emissions when compared to flame-based cremation.
If your remarkable loved one was passionate about sustainability and fighting for our environment, aquamation’s eco-friendly characteristics can be a deciding factor when choosing post-life services. While there is no right or wrong option when laying our incredible loved ones to rest, this is another way in which we can celebrate the remarkable lives they lived.
Energy Use and Carbon Footprint
The main reason aquamation is often called "green cremation" comes down to its significantly smaller environmental footprint. Traditional flame-based cremation requires a tremendous amount of energy to reach the high temperatures needed. In contrast, aquamation uses a fraction of that energy—about 90% less, to be exact. This dramatic reduction in energy consumption means a much lower carbon footprint overall. For a loved one who lived a life conscious of their impact on the planet, choosing a process that aligns with those values can be a beautiful final tribute. It’s a gentle process that honors both their memory and the world they cared for.
Air Emissions and Water Impact
Beyond energy savings, aquamation also has a gentler impact on our air and water. Because the process doesn't involve burning, it avoids releasing harmful greenhouse gases or mercury into the atmosphere. This is a major difference from flame cremation. The water used in the process is also handled with care. After it has served its purpose, the sterile, nutrient-rich liquid is returned to the ecosystem, often through local water treatment facilities. The ashes that remain are pure and completely safe, ready to be placed in an urn, scattered in a meaningful place, or used to create a timeless memorial, like a memorial diamond that can be cherished forever.
How to Decide Which Option is Right for You
For some, earthen burials hold a special place in our hearts. Others may prefer their cremated ashes to be spread over an area that holds sentimental value, like a favorite beach or a beloved home.
Other options like commemorative urns or even cremation jewelry are beautiful ways to honor our loved ones’ memories. Whichever end-of-life option you choose, you will be able to honor the legacy and impact of the remarkable diamonds in your life and hold their memory dear forever.
Sources:
Water Cremation: Better for the Environment | Healthline
3 Reasons You Should Choose Cremation | VeryWell Health
History of Cremation | Cremation Association of North America
Cost Comparison
When making end-of-life arrangements, practical considerations like cost are often part of the conversation. While aquamation is a more modern process, its price is often comparable to that of traditional flame-based cremation. According to industry experts, aquamation usually costs about the same as a standard cremation, though prices can vary depending on your location and the specific funeral home you work with. This similarity in cost means that you can focus on choosing the option that best aligns with your loved one’s values and wishes, whether that’s the gentle nature of water-based cremation or the long-standing tradition of flame cremation, without finances being the primary deciding factor.
Availability and Legal Status
Because aquamation is a newer alternative, it is not yet as widely available as traditional cremation. The legal landscape is also evolving. As of 2022, water cremation is legal in about half of the U.S. states, and more are currently considering legislation to allow it. It’s important to check the specific regulations in your state, as the availability of this service will depend entirely on local laws and the number of funeral homes equipped with the necessary technology. If you are considering this option, a good first step is to contact local funeral directors to inquire if aquamation is a service they offer in your area.
Religious and Symbolic Views
For many, faith and spiritual beliefs play a significant role in choosing end-of-life services. Just as views on traditional cremation have evolved over time, different faiths are now forming perspectives on aquamation. Some see the process, which uses water, as a gentler and more natural return to the earth. Prominent figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu chose aquamation, signaling its acceptance within some Christian denominations. However, other groups, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, do not permit cremation of any kind. Ultimately, this decision is deeply personal and is best made by reflecting on your own family’s spiritual traditions and your loved one’s personal wishes.
Creating a Memorial With the Ashes
After either process, the ashes of your loved one are returned to you to be cherished. There are, however, slight differences in the remains. Aquamation typically yields about 20-30% more ashes than flame cremation, and the ashes themselves are often a whiter, finer powder. In contrast, flame cremation ashes can have a grittier texture and a gray hue. Regardless of which path you choose, the most important part is how you decide to honor their memory. The carbon within the ashes from either aquamation or traditional cremation can be purified and used to grow a one-of-a-kind memorial diamond—a beautiful, tangible reminder of the brilliant life they lived and the love that will always remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still create a memorial diamond from ashes produced by aquamation? Yes, absolutely. The fundamental element needed to create a memorial diamond is carbon, which is preserved in the bone material left after both aquamation and flame-based cremation. The process you choose will not affect your ability to create a beautiful, tangible tribute that honors your loved one’s life.
What is the main reason someone would choose aquamation over traditional cremation? People often choose aquamation for two key reasons. First, many find the idea of a quiet, water-based process to be a gentler and more peaceful alternative to fire. Second, it has a much smaller environmental footprint, using significantly less energy and producing no air emissions, which can be a meaningful final tribute for someone who was passionate about sustainability.
Are the ashes from aquamation different from those from flame cremation? There are slight differences. Aquamation typically produces about 20 to 30 percent more ash than flame cremation. The remains are also often a whiter color and have a finer, more powdery consistency compared to the grayer, sometimes grittier texture of ashes from flame cremation.
Why is aquamation not offered everywhere? Because aquamation is a more recent innovation in death care, it isn't as widely available as traditional cremation. Its availability depends on state laws, as each state must approve the practice. Additionally, not all funeral homes have invested in the specialized equipment required for the process just yet.
Is the aquamation process safe for the environment? Yes, it is considered very safe. The process uses a solution of water and alkaline compounds, which is a natural chemical process that doesn't involve burning fossil fuels. This means there are no harmful emissions released into the air. The remaining liquid is sterile and can be safely returned to the ecosystem through standard water treatment facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Aquamation offers a gentle, water-based alternative: Instead of fire, this process uses a quiet method called alkaline hydrolysis, providing a peaceful option for your loved one's final arrangements.
- It's an eco-conscious way to honor a legacy: Aquamation significantly reduces environmental impact by using about 90% less energy than flame cremation and preventing the release of harmful air emissions.
- Your memorial options are not limited: The ashes from both aquamation and flame cremation preserve the essential carbon needed to create a lasting, personal tribute like a memorial diamond to celebrate their life.
