What are cremated remains?

Cremated remains refer specifically to the remaining bone fragments after the process of cremation. During cremation, the typical organic matter of the body is reduced to ash and gases, leaving behind mineralized bone fragments. These fragments are often processed and ground into a finer consistency, commonly referred to as "ashes." This terminology distinguishes cremated remains from other forms of remains or materials, underscoring that they are not simply ashes or residues of other components, but rather the direct product of the cremation process itself. The focus on bone fragments captures the essence of what is left after the intense heat of cremation has done its work.