Headstone? Gravestone? Tombstone? What's the difference and what are they made of?
The word 'headstone' refers to a grave marker that is placed at the 'head' of a burial plot. This is also generally synonymous with 'gravestone' though a gravestone was known in the past as a large stone that covered the entire grave. Today the word 'tombstone' is also used to refer to a headstone/gravestone, however, is it more historically used to describe the slab of stone that was used to cover and seal a stone coffin. In summary, all of the terms listed above, including 'grave marker' can be used to describe the stone (usually inscribed) that marks the spot where a person is buried. Now that we have all the terminology out of the way, let's get into what these stones are made of!
In the late 1700s to early 1800s sandstone and slate were the typical choice for headstone fashioning. Sandstone was a good option as it ranges in colour from pale grey to sand colour and is generally easy to carve. Unfortunately, it is very prone to absorbing water, which can cause staining and other damage. On the other hand, slate is as strong as granite, which made it a good choice for headstone longevity. It is not as easy to work on as granite, however, as any mistakes in the inscribing process are not easy to fix. Slate was also one of the oldest materials used to create traditional headstones in North America.
Shown above is an example of a marble headstone. It has be cleaned to show its white colour again.Then came the Victorian era/1800s and society's views on death were transitioning and aesthetics began to play a larger role in cemetery culture. Marble became a highly used material for headstones. A freshly carved marble headstone would be stunning white, with an elegant appearance. However, marble's major downfall is that it does not hold up to the elements. One will typically see the inscriptions wearing away and the stone can be prone to cracking. Nonetheless, it is still sometimes used today, perhaps because of its beautiful and classic appearance. Additionally, brownstone (which is a type of sandstone) was used during the 1800s but is not commonly used anymore. This may be because similar to marble, it can easily show the effects of environmental damage, such as staining.
The headstone shown above is an example of granite, in this case a pink variety.Granite is now the standard for modern-day headstones and grave makers. It is the favourite choice because it is resistant to environmental factors. Is strong, durable, and holds the engravings longer than most other types of stone. Additionally, it comes in a variety of colours to suit different styles and can be polished to a mirror-like shine. In conclusion, one may very well see any of the mentioned types of stone still being used to create headstones, but in all likelihood, granite would be the most common.
Curious about headstone pictures, carving style, design, and shape? These and more will be covered soon in future Saturday posts.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
Research Credits to:
https://www.centerstreetcemetery.org
https://www.stewartmonumental.com
https://www.gravestonepreservation.info