Cemetery Conservation Terms & Definitions

Cemetery Terminology & Definitions

Learn the terminology and definitions involved in cemetery conservation. The focus is to prepare a volunteer, whether a skilled layperson or a conservator in another field, to conduct rapid cemetery assessments. These terms serve as a reference for cemetery and monument conservation.

This resource was developed for FEMA by staff of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) as an aid for disaster preparation, mitigation, and recovery.

Two people carefully reset a stone grave marker and two others observe and document the repair.

National Park Service

Structures

Marker

A sign or indication of a burial placed at the head of the body.

Footstone

Sign or indication of a burial placed at the foot of the body, usually smaller.

Box Tomb/Basal

Box shaped monument built above ground; burial usually takes place below ground, usually about 3’ by 6’ and 2’-3’ high.

Vault

Burial chamber, commonly below ground.

Mausoleum

Large structure or building built above ground for burials.

Bedstead

Resembles the framework of a bed with side pieces and end pieces in addition to marker. Obelisk – stone pillar with a rectangular cross section tapering towards a point (Example Washington Monument).

Materials

Marble

A hard usually white rock with visible crystals that fizzes with a drop of vinegar. This metamorphic rock contains calcium and is usually polished.

Limestone

This medium to soft rock consists mainly of calcium, and is white to buff color. It also fizzes with vinegar or other acids.

Granite

This igneous rock has visible medium to large crystals, usually grey in color but commonly found in pink, red, or black.

Slate

A fine-grained metamorphic rock, with naturally smooth finish that tends to separate along bedding planes, commonly a grayish color.

Sandstone - (also known as Brownstone)

A sedimentary rock consisting of sand consolidated with binder, porous and easily worked, and susceptible to separating.

Schist

Metamorphic rock with banded layer and medium crystals, color is streaky, silver, black, white, and green.

Brick

Used in foundations for markers and construction of monuments, historically pointed with lime-based mortar although if it was repointed a Portland based mortar possibly (and incorrectly) used.

Wood

Produced from trees, this material is used commonly in fences and markers, deteriorates much more quickly than stone.

Cast Iron

An iron-based metal that is fabricated in sections and bolted together, cast in a mold allowing for greater detail. Sections are usually bolted together.

Wrought Iron

An iron based metal that is shaped by forging allowing for more delicate pieces, lighter than cast iron.

Bronze

A copper and tin metal alloy that usually forms a brown or possibly green patina.

Lead

A soft malleable metal with several historical uses including to hold fence pieces together or in place, to shim stones, and cast in sculpture.

Zinc (White Bronze)

Cast metal that has a bluish color and is very durable.

Concrete

Lime or Portland cement based used in construction and markers themselves, concrete markers often with a less refined appearance.

Glass

Commonly found as windows in mausoleums, may be leaded or stained glass.

Coatings

Limewash

Finish made from lime and water used to protect surfaces.

Cement Wash

More modern wash with a cement additive.

Stucco

Finish made from sand, water, and lime to coat exterior, also concrete stucco. Paint – pigment suspended in liquid used to coat a surface.

Types of Damage

Collapse

Loss of structural integrity.

Fallen

Monument is not in its original position.

Broken

Forcibly separated into pieces.

Missing Pieces

Parts of the stone are no longer there.

Stained Surface

Surface shows signs of stains that can not be removed with water alone.

Biological Growth

Lichen, mold, or mildew found on the surface.

Erosion

Areas have been removed by wind or water.

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) publishes articles on a variety of historic preservation topics, including disaster preparation, mitigation, and recovery.