Bone, primarily composed of minerals like calcium, does not burn in the same way that other body tissues do. While it may dry out and become brittle during cremation, it does not combust. This is why bone fragments, often called Atmaram bone in some cultural contexts, remain after the cremation process and are sometimes given to the family.
Understanding Bone's Behavior During Cremation
Several sources confirm that bones do not fully burn during cremation. Instead of burning, they undergo a process of drying and becoming brittle. This Quora thread explains that bone's mineral composition prevents complete combustion. The Times of India article here further clarifies that the skeleton doesn't burn uniformly, with variations in burning intensity depending on factors like body fat distribution and heat exposure. This is also supported by Trupoint Memorials, stating that bone fragments are among the body parts that remain.
- The Role of Calcium: The high mineral content, specifically calcium, in bone significantly impacts its resistance to burning.
- Atmaram Bone: In some cultures, the remaining bone fragments are known as "Atmaram bone" and hold cultural significance, as described in this Pubmed article. After cremation, these are sometimes given to the family for ritualistic immersion, as noted in the same source.
- Non-Uniform Burning: The cremation process does not result in uniform burning of the skeleton; some areas might burn more intensely than others.
It's important to note that although bones don't burn in the same manner as soft tissues, they are still significantly altered by the high temperatures of cremation.
