What device is used to fire clay and can be powered by gas, oil, or electric?

• A. Pyrometric Cones
• B. Greenware
• C. Leatherhard
• D. Kiln

Answer: (D)

A kiln is the device used to fire clay, creating the high heat needed to turn soft clay into durable ceramic through processes like sintering and vitrification. It can be powered by gas, oil, or electricity, which makes it versatile for different studio setups and firing goals. Gas and oil kilns heat ware using flame and radiant heat, while electric kilns provide clean, controllable heating with precise temperature control. Pyrometric cones are helpful tools placed inside kilns to gauge heat work during firing, but they aren’t the firing device themselves. Greenware and leatherhard describe stages of the clay (unfired and partially dried, respectively), not the equipment used to fire.