For the substance:
* Ash residue: This emphasizes the leftover material after something burns.
* Wood ash: This clarifies the specific source of the ash.
* Volcanic ash: This indicates ash originating from a volcano.
* Cinder: This is a synonym for ash, especially when referring to small, burnt pieces.
For the color:
* Ashy: This is an adjective describing something the color of ash.
* Grayish: This is a broader term that could be used to describe a similar color.
For the concept of destruction or loss:
* Ruin: This implies a complete destruction, leaving only ash behind.
* Desolation: This describes a state of emptiness and devastation, often associated with ash.
* Aftermath: This emphasizes the state of things after a destructive event, potentially involving ash.
Choose the option that best suits the meaning you want to convey in your context.