I'm sure you don't think everyday to cremation, and certainly not in terms of new technologies. For its special issue "Big [and Not So Big] Ideas For 2003," CIO Magazine just did it and looked at new cremation technologies.
Looking for a novel way to spend eternity? Consider LifeGem, a Chicago company that will turn your ashes into diamonds. Ocean lovers might prefer Eternal Reefs, a Decatur, Ga., company that mixes ashes into concrete to make artificial coral reefs that are dropped into the sea. Then there's Celebrate Life, of Lakeside, Calif., which will scatter your remains in a fireworks display. In fact, when it comes to innovative ways to use cremated remains, the sky is not the limit. Houston's Celestis has already blasted the remains of about 100 people into space, including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
Now here are some -- gory -- details about diamonds made from your ashes.
So far, LifeGem has made a batch of colored diamonds from a deceased pig. The first diamonds made from human remains will be ready by early 2003 and sold at prices ranging from $4,000 for a quarter-carat blue diamond to more than $27,950 for a 1.25-carat red gem. The diamonds are naturally light blue, but LifeGem is also creating red and yellow ones by removing boron and adding color to the gems.
So, first, you pay for your cremation. Then, you'll buy -- or sell -- diamonds.
For more details, please read the full article. And buy yourself a copy of CIO Magazine.
Source: Susannah Patton, CIO Magazine, Jan. 1, 2003 Issue
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