Saponification is the process of the conversion of fatty tissue to adipocere. Saponification usually occurs in unoxygenated, alkaline, semimoist to wet environments, and is therefore more likely to occur in remains deposited in water. Saponification can also occur in remains from moist airtight crypts or burials and may be accelerated by bacteria. Adipocere, sometimes called “grave wax,” is typically white in color and waxy in consistency but can vary from white to gray or tan to black, and can be semisoft to hard in consistency. Once formed, adipocere is relatively resistant to subsequent change, and can preserve many of the soft tissues. Saponification can occur in as little as 3 weeks, but onset typically takes place around one to 2 months.
Fig.1 Adipocere on a corpse.
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