Headstones and Traditional Burial
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Memorialization?
Memorialization is the art of commemorating the lives of those loved, revered and respected. In all civilizations and generations, it has been desired to remember loved ones by erecting monuments. From pyramids to Indian burial mounds, public memorials such as
Questions:
Q: What are cemetery memorials made of?
A: Creating a memorial that will weather eternity takes a tough stone, which is why we use granite for all our memorials. A hard stone (second only to a diamond), granite is durable and difficult to scratch, unlike marble that is relatively soft in comparison.
Q: How long does it take to make a memorial marker?
A: The time it takes to carefully sculpt the memorial you want depends upon the style and scope of the project. Basic flush markers can take eight to 12 weeks from concept to completion. Larger projects such as sculptures can take upwards of three months. And our strict attention to detail guarantees you won’t get a basic cookie-cutter memorial. We start each project with a blank slate in order to customize your burial marker to your specific needs.
Q: Is any stone better than any other?
A: A tough, durable rock, granite is the second hardest substance next to a diamond. No other natural stone is harder or more difficult to break, making it the perfect material to preserve a memory. And at Milano, our granite is high in quartz and feldspar, making it more durable than other varieties of granite. Our granite hails from quarries in the United States, Canada and Africa specifically chosen for this resilience and the rich color of their stone.
Q: What size memorial is allowed in my cemetery?
A: Regulations vary from cemetery to cemetery. Some only permit flush, in ground markers while others will allow larger memorials or sculptures, but only in designated areas of the cemetery. Every cemetery is unique and the rules are ever changing. We can help you review these policies in advance to ensure your marker fits within the stipulations of your cemetery.
Q: Where does granite come from?
A: Granite is formed from solidified magma, cooled slowly over millions of years, miles below the earth’s surface. As generations passed, erosion has forced the granite toward the earth’s surface, where it is easily and safely accessible.
Q: Are there different colors of granite?
A: Yes, granite comes in an assortment of colors — ranging from deep blacks and grays to blush. Three minerals found in granite cause the different, bold shades: feldspar is the abundant, white mineral grains; the light gray, glassy crystals are made from quartz; and the black grains flickered throughout the stone are made of biotite, or black mica. Our stones are carefully selected from quarries all over the world for their rich color.
Q: Can I have a photo on my memorial?
A: Yes, but getting etching the image on to the stone is no easy process. It takes a combination of the latest technology and artistic skill to ensure the image is picture perfect and that it will last. All you need is a picture of your loved one and we will take care of the rest. Our experienced engraver will hand-etch the image into the granite, creating an enduring and lifelike memorial.
