A small triangle made of steel rods that are coated in ceramic to withstand heat. A clay triangle can be placed on a ring stand to hold a beaker, and heat can then be applied to the beaker from below using a Bunsen burner. A clay triangle can also be used to hold a separatory funnel in an upright position. Clay triangles are not used much any more, as chemists usually heat beakers directly on an electric hotplate instead of with a Bunsen burner.