Cremation is the process of reducing dead bodies to basic chemical compounds in the form of gases and bone fragments. This is accomplished through high temperatures and vaporization. Contrary to popular belief, the cremated remains are not ashes in the usual sense, but rather dried bone fragments that have been pulverized, typically in a device called an electric cremated remains processor (known as a cremulator -see below- or pulverization may be done by hand). This leaves the bone in a fine sand like texture and color, able to be scattered without need for mixing with any foreign matter. Their weight is approximately 4 pounds (1.8 kg) for adult human females and 6 pounds (2.7 kg) for adult human males.

Cremation may serve as a funeral or postfuneral rite that is an alternative to the interment of an intact body in a casket. Cremated remains, which are not a health risk, may be buried or immured in memorial sites or cemeteries, or they may be legally retained by relatives or dispersed in a variety of ways and locations.

In many countries cremation is usually done in a crematory (or crematorium), but others may prefer different methods. An example is the common practice of open-air cremation in India.

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• North America (45)
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• Cremation Specialists
  cremation.com
  Cremation and funeral facts that will provide the information consumers need to help plan for this difficult decision. Includes a directory of United States providers.
• Internet Cremation Society
  cremation.org
  Offers a FAQs, details about the process and statistics.
• PYRA Development, LLC
  pyradevelopment.com
  Finally, cremation and a sense of permanence not previously afforded for interred remains. Offered is a unique method of interring cremated remains available to the general public.