Clay can be categorized into three main types - porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware - based on their composition and firing temperature. Pottery is created through a process of forming and shaping the clay body at various stages from raw earthware to leather hard to bisque firing and then glaze firing. A variety of tools are used during forming such as chamois, needles, knives, brushes and ribs as well as kilns for firing such as raku, pit fire and regular kilns.