An urn is a vessel used to hold the cremated remains of a deceased person. The vessels are available in many types, shapes, and styles, each of which has its specific meaning. Urns also come in different sizes, depending on whether used for a loved one or a beloved pet.
Urns can be made from several materials. Some are simple and elegant, using fine woods and decorative ceramic finishes. Today's most common materials are wood, bronze, stainless steel, and marble. A bronze urn, for example, is made from a combination of copper and tin. The addition of zinc and nickel gives the urn its bronze finish. Marble, on the other hand, is made from stone that has been crushed or ground down until it's in powder form. It's then mixed with a block of special cement, hardening and then setting. After that, the marble is polished and colored to give it its final appearance.
A stainless-steel urn is more durable than other types because the metal is specially treated with a thick chromium coating to make it corrosion-resistant. The stainless steel used in these vessels has been gallium-plated as well. A gold or silver urn is made from metal parts plated with gold or silver. Wooden urns are comprised of several different types of fine woods like cedar, redwood, birch, or pine.
A glass urn is made from opaque glass with a smooth, shiny surface. A plastic urn is made from a mixture of glass and plastics and can come in various shapes. A ceramic urn is one made from porcelain or earthenware material. It is a popular choice because of its durability and versatility.
An urn can be as simple or elaborate as desired. Some of the most popular urn styles include an individual urn, a companion urn, a keepsake urn, a 3D portrait urn, and an eco-friendly urn. A companion urn is one that two people share. A keepsake urn is a small urn designed to hold a small amount of cremated remains. It's used more for a keepsake rather than for containing the remains of the deceased. An urn portrait is made using a 3D printer and designed to resemble the deceased, making it a popular choice for those who want something that looks more like the person. An eco-friendly urn is an urn made from biodegradable materials.
The cost of an urn depends on the type of material used to make the urn and the design and size. An urn with intricate features or a more modern look will generally be more expensive than an urn with a simple design. A larger urn would cost more than one of a smaller size. A ceramic and marble urn can cost more than one made from wood or plastic.