Choosing permanent placement ensures that every life is honored with long-term care and dignity, while protecting families from future uncertainty. 

Respectful and Dignified Care 

While families always have good intentions, life can become complicated. Moves, family changes, or the passing of the person who was keeping the urn can create unexpected challenges. 

Placing remains in a dedicated memorial space removes that burden from loved ones. It provides the assurance that professionals will care for the site with respect and consistency for years to come. 

Avoiding Confusion or Loss Over Time 

Many people are surprised to learn how often cremated remains become unclaimed or forgotten after a generation or two.  After a generation or two, heirs may not know whose remains are stored in an urn, or boxes may be misplaced during moves and transitions. 

Permanent placement eliminates uncertainty. It prevents others from having to make difficult decisions about what to do with an inherited urn that often results in emotional conflict or unintended neglect. 

Supporting Tradition and Connection 

Throughout history, cultures around the world have found ways to honor those who have died. Permanent memorialization continues that tradition. It provides structure and meaning during a time that can otherwise feel overwhelming. 

Whether rooted in faith, culture, or personal values, having a designated place of remembrance helps transform grief into something lasting and meaningful. 

Built to Endure 

A permanent memorial is not only about honoring the past. It shapes the future. It becomes part of a family’s story. It gives future generations a place to learn about those who came before them and to feel connected to their heritage. 

In a world that is constantly changing, a permanent memorial provides something steady. It preserves a legacy, protects a story, and creates a place that remains for generations. 

Learn More 

Coldspring can help you meet a family’s needs with options that include community buildings to more personalized memorials such as benches, boulders, butterflies and cremation pillars. 

Permanent placement is also the focus of National Cremation Placement Day, an industry-wide initiative created by Coldspring to promote education and awareness around the importance of creating lasting places of remembrance. Whether you are a memorialization professional, cemetery operator, funeral director, or family member, resources are available to help start meaningful conversations about permanent placement and long-term remembrance.

Explore Cremation Memorial Options

National Cremation Placement Day Resources

Cold Spring, MN: The United States will observe the first-ever National Cremation Placement Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Established and registered by Coldspring, the observance will take place annually on the third Saturday in October. 

Created in recognition of the 150th anniversary of cremation in America, National Cremation Placement Day was designed to raise awareness about the importance of the permanent placement and memorialization of cremated remains, an area often overlooked as cremation has become the most common form of disposition in the United States. 

Today, millions of cremated remains are kept in homes or passed down without a clear plan, not due to a lack of care, but because families often lack guidance, timing, and support. The day is intended to address this gap through education, remembrance, and community connection. 

National Cremation Placement Day promotes community memorial services that offer families a meaningful, pressure-free way to gather, remember, and take next steps. It aims to: 

• Increase awareness of permanent placement options 

• Support healthy grief through shared remembrance 

• Help families find relief from long-term uncertainty 

• Prevent future mishandling or abandonment of remains 

Funeral homes, cemeteries, and industry partners are encouraged to plan and host local observances, share information with their communities, and support families in taking meaningful steps toward permanent placement. To support participation nationwide, Coldspring, a leader in the memorialization industry, has developed a collection of resources, including planning guides, promotional materials, and community outreach tools, available at National Cremation Placement Day Resources.

About Coldspring:  Coldspring, a leading quarrier and fabricator of natural stone and bronze serving the architectural, memorial, residential and industrial markets with all types of natural stone, bronze, and industrial and diamond-tooling products, has been family owned and operated since 1898.  With headquarters, a primary manufacturing facility and bronze foundry in Cold Spring, Minnesota, the company has over 800 employees at operations across the country, including 30 quarries and multiple fabrication facilities.  The passion of their people has built Coldspring into one of the largest, most innovative quarriers and fabricators of stone and other materials. They value teamwork and the skill to understand and surpass customer expectations, along with a determined commitment to corporate sustainability.    

Coldspring Quarries: Abundant Domestic Supply 

As one of North America’s largest and greenest natural stone quarriers, Coldspring offers an abundant supply of quarried materials from multiple domestic quarries across the nation. 

Sourcing stone domestically continues to offer advantages alongside today’s relatively stable import environment. With shipping times and potential delays from overseas, domestic quarries reduce disruptions and help ensure timely production. Because Coldspring owns and controls both quarry systems and manufacturing facilities, lead times are met and stone matching across domestic colors is more consistent than import alternatives. 

Coldspring’s quarries support designers, builders, and fabricators with an extensive range of stone options, sustainable practices, and a dedicated team of specialists applying industry best practices at every step.  

This network of domestic quarries supplies exceptional stone, including Mesabi Black^® from Minnesota and Carnelian^® from South Dakota. Below, learn more about these quarries, meet the teams behind them through our Story of the Quarry videos, and see how their stone shapes landmark projects. 

Mesabi Black^® Quarry 

One of these quarries, located in Babbitt, Minnesota, produces a beautiful and versatile domestic black granite known as Mesabi Black^®. Coldspring’s Mesabi Black quarry has been in operation for more than 20 years, supplying material for high-profile as well as smaller projects across the country. 

Located within the Superior National Forest, this certified quarry operates year-round. Mesabi Black offers exceptional character and finishing capabilities, possesses low embodied energy, has no toxic chemicals, is harmonious with nature, infinitely versatile, and reliably sourced. A large amount of Mesabi Black is featured on notable projects across the country, from memorials to architectural installations.  

An example of Mesabi Black in use is Turn to the River, a public art project in Terre Haute, Indiana. Designed to reconnect the downtown area with the Wabash River, the project features a black granite water sculpture by artist Brad Goldberg, positioned between the Vigo County Courthouse and Terre Haute City Hall. Crafted from Mesabi Black^® granite supplied by Coldspring, the sculpture incorporates carved abstractions of the river valley and gently flowing water, creating a calm and reflective gathering place within the city. 

Carnelian^® Quarry 

Another key member of Coldspring’s domestic quarry family is Carnelian^® granite, quarried in Milbank, South Dakota. Known for its warm hues and rugged beauty, Carnelian has been a material of choice for memorials and architectural projects that demand depth of character and longevity. 

One of the most striking examples of Carnelian in use is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial in Washington, D.C. For this iconic memorial, landscape architect Lawrence Halprin selected Carnelian granite because of its rich color and durability, qualities that echo the legacy of President Roosevelt. The memorial’s walls and paving use hundreds of thousands of square feet of Carnelian, creating outdoor “rooms” that reflect light and shadow while preserving FDR’s words and spirit for generations to come. 
 

Leveraging Quarried Materials 

When it comes to using quarried materials for civil construction, memorials, architectural work, or landscape projects, superior product availability and proximity are only part of why Coldspring is a preferred partner. You’ll also have a dedicated, experienced team working on your behalf, from specification to installation using industry-leading processes. 

Learn More 

To learn more about Coldspring’s Mesabi Black, Carnelian, and other quarries or to request a natural stone sample, please contact your local Coldspring representative today. 

Request a Sample 

We would love to have you take a Coldspring natural stone quarry tour and earn credits while doing it. The course Tour: Quarrying Natural Stone – Selection to Extraction is approved for 1 LU/HSW by the American Institute of Architects (AIE/CES) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES). For more information and to register, contact your Sales Representative. 

Contact Us 

Huskies Invent returned April 17–19, 2026, bringing together students, faculty, and industry professionals for a fast-paced weekend of innovation at St. Cloud State University. In partnership with Coldspring, the event challenged student teams to develop creative solutions to real-world manufacturing needs in just 48 hours. 

The weekend-long “invent-a-thon” kicked off Friday afternoon, as SCSU and Coldspring leaders welcomed participants and emphasized the value of hands-on experience. SCSU President Gregory Tomso recognized the commitment students made by choosing to spend their weekend challenging themselves, while engineering professor Dr. Mark Schroll highlighted the importance of stepping beyond the classroom to collaborate, think creatively, and gain practical skills that translate directly to the workforce. 

Following the opening remarks, Coldspring representatives introduced the company’s values, operations, and markets, providing students with context for the challenges ahead. Students were then presented with five real-world challenges based on current needs within Coldspring’s operations, encouraging teams to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.  

After selecting their projects, student teams worked throughout the weekend to research, design, and prototype their solutions. With access to campus labs and support from faculty and Coldspring mentors, teams were able to test ideas, ask questions, and refine their approaches throughout the process. Drawing on real-world experience, mentors helped guide discussions and encouraged students to think through challenges in ways that aligned with practical industry applications. 

By Sunday afternoon, the intensity of the challenge was clear. Teams made last-minute adjustments and refined their ideas before presenting their solutions to a panel of Coldspring professionals. 

Each group delivered a unique approach to their assigned challenge. Teams proposed a range of solutions, from process improvements and equipment enhancements to concepts incorporating automation and emerging technologies, all aimed at improving efficiency and overall operations. 

Following the presentations, Coldspring team members provided feedback to each group, recognizing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. All teams demonstrated strong effort and innovative thinking, showcasing creativity, collaboration, and practical problem-solving throughout the event. 

Huskies Invent continues to highlight the value of collaboration between industry and education. For Coldspring, the event offers an opportunity to engage with students, explore new ideas, and gain fresh perspectives on real-world challenges. For students, it provides hands-on experience tackling the same types of challenges they may encounter in their future careers. 

Cremation has become one of the most common choices for final arrangements. With that shift, families now have more options than ever. Some choose to scatter cremated remains in a meaningful place. Others keep an urn at home. In the moment, these choices can feel comforting and personal. 

But one important step is often overlooked, deciding on a permanent resting place. 

Permanent placement, whether in a cemetery, mausoleum, columbarium niche, or memorial garden, creates a lasting tribute that serves not only today’s family but future generations as well. It offers stability, dignity, and a place where memories can live on. 

A Lasting Place for Family and Future Generations 

Grief does not follow a specific timeline and fond memories don’t fade after a single ceremony.  A permanent resting place gives loved ones a dedicated space to visit, reflect, and remember. Years from now, children and grandchildren will always know where they can go to feel connected to their history. 

When cremated remains are kept in a home, circumstances can change. Families move. Responsibilities shift. Over time, an urn can be misplaced or passed along without a clear plan. A permanent memorial removes that uncertainty and ensures that a person’s life is honored in a consistent and lasting way. 

A Meaningful Space to Grieve and Heal 

People are deeply connected to places. There is something grounding about visiting a space that is intentionally designed for remembrance. Cemeteries and memorial gardens offer quiet, peaceful environments where reflection feels natural. 

Having a physical place to return to can support healing. It gives families somewhere to gather on anniversaries, share stories, or simply sit in silence. That sense of continuity can be comforting during difficult seasons of life. 

Permanent placement provides not only a location, but a sense of stability during a time when much feels uncertain. Permanent placement of cremated remains ensures that every life receives the dignity of a lasting memorial, every family has a sacred place to remember, and every legacy is protected for generations. 

Learn More 

Coldspring can help you meet a family’s needs with options that include community buildings to more personalized memorials such as benches, boulders, butterflies and cremation pillars. 

Learn more about our offerings: 
https://coldspringusa.com/memorial/cremation/ 

Curious about how TabStone transforms paving projects?  We have gathered answers to the most common questions to help you understand why it is a gamechanger for commercial installations. 

1. What is TabStone? 

TabStone is a granite paver system featuring patent-pending, pre-installed spacers on each paver. These integrated tabs help guide placement, maintain consistent joint spacing, and improve installation efficiency. Made from precision-crafted granite, TabStone is designed for exterior residential and interior or exterior commercial paving applications. 

2. How is TabStone different from traditional granite pavers? 

Traditional granite pavers rely on manual spacers and frequent adjustments to achieve consistent joints. TabStone incorporates pre-adhered spacers, a first for granite pavers, helping installers maintain alignment and uniform joint widths throughout installation. This approach reduces layout time and supports a more predictable installation process while retaining the durability of granite. 

3. Is TabStone suitable for commercial projects? 

Yes. TabStone was developed specifically for commercial hardscape applications where consistency, scale, and performance are essential. Its automated production process supports repeatability and reliable quality for larger projects. Granite’s resistance to wear, weathering, and deterioration makes TabStone well suited for high-traffic and demanding environments. 

4. Can TabStone be customized? 

TabStone pavers are available in American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-approved finishes, standard thicknesses of approximately 3 inches and 4 inches, and a range of granite colors that reflect natural quarry variation. Custom sizes and colors may be available with additional coordination and testing. As with all natural stone products, pavers will display a full range of natural color tones and characteristics. 

5. Do the spacers remain in place after installation? 

The integrated spacers are designed to assist with alignment during installation by maintaining a consistent joint width. While the tabs are expected to remain in place during installation, they are not intended to be a permanent feature of the finished paving surface. Their primary function is to support faster, more accurate placement. 

Designed for efficiency. Backed by Coldspring. 

From quarry to fabrication, TabStone reflects Coldspring’s commitment to dependable materials, precise manufacturing, and responsive support. By combining the strength of granite with a more streamlined installation process, TabStone helps make natural stone paving a practical, high-performance solution for modern hardscape projects. 

Features That Drive Results

TabStone is an engineered system designed to deliver reliability at scale:

• Patent-pending innovation tailored specifically for demanding commercial applications.
• Streamlines installation, making the process easier and more precise on the jobsite.
• Precision-crafted granite carefully selected and fabricated for enduring quality and beauty.

Benefits You Can See and Measure 

Choosing TabStone means creating efficiency, saving costs, and improving performance on every project:

• Simplified alignment takes guesswork out of installation, boosting productivity on the jobsite.
• Faster installation saves valuable time and reduces labor costs.
• Consistent, clean joints enhance both structural integrity and visual impact.

Whether you are designing a city plaza, enhancing a university campus, or building a high-traffic public street, TabStone brings a perfect balance of beauty and practicality. Backed by Coldspring’s vertically integrated operations, these granite pavers are crafted to withstand weather and heavy use, all while staying on schedule and on budget.

TabStone,

Key Benefits of TabStone:

• Effortless Alignment: Pre-installed tabs remove guesswork and ensure consistent joint spacing.
• Faster Installs: Streamlined placement reduces labor and accelerates timelines.
• Customizable Solutions: Available in multiple finishes, thicknesses, and sizes, TabStone can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of each project.
• Trusted Performance: Precision-crafted granite from Coldspring’s domestic quarries and fabrication facilities delivers long-lasting beauty and strength.

For visionaries shaping the next iconic space, TabStone brings precision, efficiency, and reliability to commercial hardscape projects. Supported by Coldspring’s expertise and end-to-end service, the system ensures consistent quality and dependable support from start to finish.

Learn more and request a sample on our pavers page.

About Coldspring:  Coldspring, a leading quarrier and fabricator of natural stone and bronze serving the architectural, memorial, residential and industrial markets with all types of natural stone, bronze, and industrial and diamond-tooling products, has been family owned and operated since 1898.  With headquarters, a primary manufacturing facility and bronze foundry in Cold Spring, Minnesota, the company has over 800 employees at operations across the country, including 30 quarries and multiple fabrication facilities.  The passion of their people has built Coldspring into one of the largest, most innovative quarriers and fabricators of stone and other materials. They value teamwork and the skill to understand and surpass customer expectations, along with a determined commitment to corporate sustainability.  

Natural stone has long defined architectural excellence – but when weight, budget, or installation logistics are a consideration, bringing that beauty to life can require a different approach. Enter StoneLite: a pioneering solution that has changed the way architects and contractors think about stone cladding for more than 50 years.

Backed by decades of performance and proven on job sites across the globe, StoneLite panels combine a natural stone veneer with an aluminum honeycomb backing to create a panel that is lightweight, strong, and fast to install. But don’t just take our word for it – experience the real-world performance of StoneLite for yourself.

Vassar Brothers Patient Pavilion

Stone: Granite, Mesabi Black 
Why StoneLite: Lightweight performance on tall, stud-framed walls 

More than 60,000 square feet of StoneLite Mesabi Black® panels were used throughout this CallisonRTKL-designed facility – including the exterior, interior, soffits, columns, site walls, and parking garage. The panels were installed over a GREENgirt system for thermal efficiency and attached with ¼” open joints. 

Above a traditional 2” granite watertable, StoneLite delivered essential weight savings on tall, stud-framed walls and 90-foot beam spans – making it an ideal solution for areas requiring lighter cladding without compromising on natural stone aesthetics. 

University of British Columbia – Earth Science Building

Stone: Granite, Variety 
Why StoneLite: Educational design with book-matched installation 

The Ross Beaty Lecture Hall at UBC features a striking StoneLite façade made from 21 distinct stone types, installed in a polished, book-matched layout. These large-format panels are more than just visually impactful – they serve as an outdoor learning lab for students, blending architectural expression with educational purpose. 

Colorado State University Engineering Building II: Fort Collins, CO 

Stone: Texas Cream Limestone 
Why StoneLite: Curtain wall integration, energy performance 

At CSU, StoneLite was used in a hybrid façade system that seamlessly combined stone cladding with curtain wall glazing. The result was a thermally efficient, modern academic facility that minimized construction disruption on a busy college campus. The panelized system reduced installation time and allowed contractors to maintain momentum, even during seasonal weather windows. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame — Canton, OH 

Stone: Absolute Black Granite 
Why StoneLite: Engraving quality, long-term durability 

For over two decades, StoneLite panels have been engraved annually to honor new inductees at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With their polished surface and exceptional weather resistance, our panels maintain their appearance year after year, despite the demands of an outdoor environment. This long-standing partnership is a testament to the longevity and performance of our product. 

Why It Works: The StoneLite Advantage 

What all of these projects have in common is a demand for high performance under real-world conditions. StoneLite delivers on multiple fronts: 

• 60x impact strength of 3cm stone 

• Lightweight panels reduce structural requirements and shipping costs 

• Faster installation, helping teams stay on schedule and budget 

• Design flexibility for curves, soffits, returns, and more 

• Proven resilience in hurricane zones, seismic areas, and extreme climates 

• Backed by testing, with a 50-year track record in the field 

Whether it’s a high-end retail destination, a bustling airport, or an academic institution, StoneLite provides the strength and beauty of stone with none of the traditional compromises. 

When designing high-visibility outdoor spaces—like city centers, campuses, commercial developments, or public infrastructure—natural granite pavers are an ideal choice for materials that balance beauty, durability, and sustainability. At Coldspring, we’ve seen firsthand how granite can transform landscape design—delivering lasting performance and visual impact across projects nationwide.

Why Natural Granite Pavers Are Ideal for Landscape Architects

Landscape architects are tasked with creating outdoor environments that are not only visually striking but also sustainable and enduring. That means choosing landscape paving materials that check multiple boxes:

1. Long-Term Design Integrity: Natural granite pavers are among the most long lasting pavers available today. They deliver exceptional strength and resist fading, spalling, and surface degradation. Engineered by nature and refined through expert craftsmanship, granite’s dense composition gives it superior compressive strength, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and heavy load applications. 
2. Elevated Natural Aesthetic: Granite’s rich colors and textures offer a premium, natural look that enhances the visual quality of any outdoor space. Unlike synthetic or mass-produced materials, no two pieces are the same, ensuring a unique finish that only improves with age. Granite’s visual appeal makes it a superior alternative to concrete in any design prioritizing character and craftsmanship.
3. Sustainable & LEED-Ready: Sustainable design isn’t a trend—it’s a standard. And when it comes to building materials that meet both performance and environmental goals, granite is leading the way. At Coldspring, we take sustainability seriously. Our DECLARE label and ANSI/NSI 373 certification provide third-party verified transparency, helping you meet rigorous LEED requirements with confidence. That makes granite one of the most dependable sustainable paving solutions available.
4. Reliable Sourcing & Availability: A common challenge in commercial and public projects is securing premium materials on time. With domestically quarried granite and vertically integrated operations, Coldspring ensures reliable material availability that aligns with project timelines, delivering consistency throughout the project.
   

Coldspring Granite vs. Concrete

When it comes to long-term performance, the difference is clear. Concrete frequently fades, stains, and cracks, especially in high-traffic areas or regions with freeze-thaw cycles and harsh weather. These vulnerabilities often lead to ongoing maintenance, early replacements, and added lifecycle costs.

Coldspring’s natural granite pavers stand in sharp contrast. With superior strength, color stability, and resistance to weathering, granite outperforms concrete in both durability and visual longevity. It requires minimal upkeep, maintains its aesthetic over decades, and resists the damage that plagues concrete surfaces.

For architects, designers, and builders in search of dependable, long lasting pavers and high-performance landscape paving materials, Coldspring granite isn’t just a better option—it’s the smarter investment.

The Smart Choice for Timeless Outdoor Design

For landscape architects focused on durability, sustainability, and design excellence, natural granite pavers from Coldspring deliver enduring value. From public plazas to corporate campuses, granite enhances both the experience and the legacy of outdoor spaces.

Explore the full range of granite paving solutions at Coldspring and discover how natural stone brings strength, elegance, and integrity to landscape design.