Adipocere mineral, also known as grave wax, is a soft, white, waxy substance that forms on bodies that have been buried for an extended period of time. The spelling of the word "adipocere" is pronounced /əˈdɪpəˌsɪər/ and is derived from the Latin words adiposo meaning "fatty" and cera meaning "wax". The word is spelled phonetically, with the emphasis on the first syllable and the "c" pronounced like an "s". Adipocere mineral plays a crucial role in forensic science, as the analysis of adipocere can provide insights into the time since death and the conditions of the burial.
Adipocere mineral is a term used to describe a unique type of substance that is formed through a natural chemical transformation known as adipocere formation. Adipocere, also referred to as "grave wax" or "corpse wax," is a waxy substance that is formed when the soft tissues of a dead body undergo a process called saponification. This is a result of the breakdown and hydrolysis of fats in the body due to microbial activity and the presence of moisture.
The resulting adipocere mineral is a white, greasy, and odorless substance that typically has a waxy texture. It is composed primarily of fatty acids, glycerol, and water-insoluble salts. Adipocere is most commonly found in remains that have been buried in damp or waterlogged conditions, such as in bogs, swamps, or shallow graves. These conditions slow down the decomposition process, allowing for the formation of adipocere.
Adipocere mineralization serves as a natural preservative, which can significantly delay the decomposition of a body and aid in the preservation of its features. It has been observed in various burial environments and can persist for many years, even centuries, depending on the conditions.
Historically, the discovery of adipocere mineral on remains has been used as an indicator to estimate the time since death or to identify burial practices and environmental conditions. It has also been of interest to forensic experts and archaeologists in the study of decomposition processes and the preservation of human remains.
A fatty waxy substance found in certain coal-formations.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
There is no such term as "adipocere mineral". Adipocere refers to a waxy substance that forms from the decomposition of body fat in certain conditions. It is not a mineral, but rather an organic compound. The word "adipocere" comes from Latin, derived from the words "adeps", meaning fat, and "cera", meaning wax.