For centuries, humans have turned to stones as vessels for memory. We’ve carried river rocks from meaningful places, collected crystals for their beauty and energy, and chosen gemstones to mark life’s most significant moments. Now, a scientific breakthrough brings this ancient connection between stone and memory into the realm of memorial care.
The Emergence of Solidified Remains
Solidified remains represent an entirely new category in death care, offering a complete alternative to storing cremated ashes. Rather than keeping remains in an urn or scattering them, this process transforms 100% of cremated remains into 40-80+ smooth, solid stones.
These aren’t cremation jewelry or keepsake urns. They’re not memorial products made with a small portion of ashes. Solidified remains are the cremated remains themselves, fundamentally changed from powder into stone through a scientific process that preserves every bit of your loved one.
The stones are cool to the touch, naturally smooth, and vary in color from soft whites and grays to deeper earth tones. Each collection is unique, reflecting the individual it honors. For people who’ve felt uncertain about what to do with ashes, or who’ve stored an urn for years without knowing the right path forward, solidified remains offer something tangible when you’re ready.
Parting Stone: Pioneering the Category
Parting Stone created this category after founder Justin Crowe lost his grandfather and recognized that cremated ashes create an impossible decision: keep them forever or let them go. Working with Los Alamos National Laboratory, he developed a patented solidification process that gives families a third option.
The science is elegant. Cremated remains are combined with a bonding agent and processed under controlled heat and pressure. The result preserves the complete integrity of the remains while creating solid, stone-like forms. Nothing is added except what’s necessary for the transformation. Nothing is lost.
Since 2019, Parting Stone has served over 13,000 families, earning recognition including coverage in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award, and deals with Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank. The company operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, prioritizing meaningful service over profit maximization.
What Families Do With Their Stones
Rock and gem enthusiasts already understand what many Parting Stone families discover: stones invite interaction in ways that ashes don’t. People hold their stones during difficult moments. They place them in gardens where they can visit daily. They share stones with family members, allowing everyone to keep their loved one close. Some create shadow boxes or display cases. Others carry a stone in their pocket or keep one on their nightstand.
The stones become part of rituals, both planned and spontaneous. They’re touchable, shareable, and deeply personal. You can interact with them immediately or wait until the time feels right.
When You’re Ready to Learn More
The process takes 8-10 weeks and is available for $2,495 for human remains and $1,195 for pets, with simple shipping arrangements for families across the country. Parting Stone works directly with families and partners with over 1,800 funeral homes nationwide.
If you’ve been storing cremated remains and haven’t found the right path forward, or if you’re planning ahead for yourself or a loved one, solidified remains might offer the answer you’ve been seeking.
Visit partingstone.com to see the stones and read stories from families who’ve made this choice. Request a free information kit to learn more about the process, see detailed photos, and explore whether this resonates with your journey. There’s no pressure, just information when you need it.
