Jaclyn Jose’s sister says ‘green bone’ discovered after actress’ cremation—here’s what it means

Jaclyn Jose‘s sister shared that a “green bone” was found after the veteran actress’ remains were cremated.

Jaclyn passed away on March 2 due to myocardial infarction or heart attack. Her remains have been put in an urn, which is currently displayed at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City for her wake that will run until March 9.

In a short chat with ABS-CBN News, her sister Veronica Jones shared a peculiar thing they found after Jaclyn’s cremation process.

“May sinasabi silang ‘green bones.’ Hindi lahat ng tao na na-cremate, mayroon noon, so very rare na nakita si Jane na mayroon,” Veronica said. (Jaclyn’s real name is Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck.)

Veronica went on to describe Jaclyn as someone who loved immensely.

“Si Jane, mapagmahal—matindi magmahal—down-to-earth, maawain, napakabait na tao, walang masamang tinapay. ‘Yung mga crew at staff, mas mahal niya yan, ayaw niya ‘yung mga pa-sosyal,” Veronica said.

“Mamimiss namin siya, hindi ko na siya mapapanood. We love her,” she continued.

What do green bones mean in cremation?

As the name implies, green bones are the ashes of a deceased individual that appear to be green in color after undergoing cremation.

Melanie Go, a customer care director at Arlington Memorial Chapels and Crematory, told PhilSTAR L!fe that in Chinese culture, such bones are regarded as the “final gift” of the dead to their family. Some people even carry small fragments of them around to attract prosperity. The Freeman, in a 2019 report, said that these “green gemlike remains” are “often kept by a descendant for luck, especially in gambling.”

It is likewise believed that green bones only appear in individuals who led a good life, according to Go. “But again, it’s just a belief,” she stressed.

Go said it also has a scientific explanation as the coloration could result from the temperature of the cremator.

Funeral service Trupoint Memorials explained on its website that the temperature causes bones to change in color from either brown, black, gray, or white—depending on how high it gets during the process.

It added that the green color can also be caused by the bones coming into contact with tetracycline or chromium oxide as well as bronze or copper that has begun to degrade and turn green due to chemical reactions. (with reports from Brooke Villanueva)