Just the other day, I took a family around our display, and they remarked on the different types of stones.  While most of what we have displayed is granite, we have some unique pieces that caught their attention. They could not believe the different types of stone used.  There are several types of headstones and materials available today, each with different benefits depending on durability, appearance, and maintenance.

While granite has become the most widely used material for cemetery memorials because of its durability, weather resistance, and ability to hold letters and artwork clearly for generations, there are other options for families.

Throughout history, families have chosen a variety of materials to mark graves, including natural stone and metal. Some of these materials remain in use today, while others are primarily found in historic cemeteries.

Families who are beginning the memorial process may also find it helpful to review our guide to cemetery headstones and monuments in Indiana, which explains the different styles of memorials and how they are designed and installed.

Our team has worked with families across Indiana to design and install memorials that meet both cemetery requirements and long-term durability expectations.

Understanding Other Materials Used for Headstones and Markers

Families across Indiana, including Kokomo, Tipton, and Logansport, often ask what alternatives exist when choosing a headstone material. This guide breaks down the most common headstone materials, how they compare to granite, and what to consider when choosing a long-lasting memorial.

Understanding the materials used for memorials can help families appreciate both the history of cemetery monuments and the options available today.

Marble Memorials

Marble was one of the most commonly used materials for cemetery monuments during the nineteenth century. Many historic cemeteries throughout Indiana still contain marble headstones dating back more than a hundred years.

Marble has a refined appearance and allows for detailed carving. This made it especially popular for decorative monuments, statues, and hand-carved lettering.

Because marble is softer than granite, it slowly weathers over centuries. Rain, wind, and natural environmental conditions gradually erode the surface of the stone. In many older cemeteries, the lettering on marble monuments has softened or faded as the stone has aged.

For this reason, marble is used less frequently for new cemetery monuments today, though it remains an important part of the historic character of many burial grounds.

Sandstone Memorials

Sandstone has also been used in memorials for generations. Historically it was selected because it was widely available and relatively easy to carve.

Traditional sandstone markers found in historic cemeteries often show signs of weathering because the stone is naturally porous. Over a century the surface can soften and the edges of lettering may begin to erode.

However, modern sandstone materials can differ significantly from those used historically. Some suppliers now quarry sandstone varieties, such as Woodland sandstone, that can be finished and polished in ways similar to granite. The polishing process helps to close the porous nature of the stone, increasing its longevity.  These stones offer a distinctive natural color and texture while still allowing for modern monument finishing techniques.

Because stone characteristics vary widely depending on the quarry and composition of the stone, it is important to work with a memorial professional who understands how each material performs over time.

Basalt Memorials

Basalt is a dense volcanic stone that is occasionally used in memorialization. It is extremely hard and durable and can be polished to a smooth finish.

Basalt typically appears dark gray or black and has a clean, uniform appearance. In natural formations, basalt is well known for its hexagonal column structures, which develop as molten lava cools and contracts. These distinctive geometric formations can be seen in basalt cliffs and rock formations in various parts of the world.

Another characteristic of basalt is its iron content. When basalt is left in its natural, unpolished state, the iron within the stone can oxidize when exposed to air and moisture. This process can create rust-like tones or reddish coloration on the surface of unfinished stones.

While basalt shares some durability characteristics with granite, it is less commonly used in the monument industry. Granite is more widely available, easier to quarry and shape into memorial forms, and offers a broader range of natural colors and finishes.

Bronze Memorials

Bronze memorials represent a different approach to cemetery markers. Instead of carving lettering directly into stone, the inscription is cast into a bronze plaque that is mounted to a granite or concrete base.

These markers are most commonly used in cemeteries that require flush or lawn-level memorials. The raised lettering and decorative elements are cast directly into the bronze surface.

Over time, bronze develops a natural patina, gradually darkening the metal and giving the memorial a traditional appearance. Periodic cleaning is sometimes recommended to maintain clarity of the lettering.

Natural Fieldstone Memorials

In earlier rural cemeteries, some graves were marked with natural fieldstones gathered from the surrounding land. These stones were often placed at the head of the grave as a simple marker.

Fieldstones were typically unpolished and uncarved, though occasionally families later added inscriptions. While these stones carry a rustic charm and historical significance, they often did not provide long-term identification unless lettering was added later.

Today, larger fieldstones are sometimes used as memorials in a more intentional way. The stone is selected for its natural character and then engraved with the family name or inscription. To allow the stone to be installed securely, the bottom of the stone is typically sawn flat and set on a concrete foundation.

This approach preserves the natural appearance of the stone while still providing a stable and lasting memorial. Fieldstone monuments offer a distinctive and unique tribute, often chosen by families who appreciate the organic beauty of natural stone.