The item that is placed on a ring and used to support a funnel, crucible, or evaporating dish is called a wire gauze. A wire gauze is a metal mesh screen made of metal wire woven into a square or rectangular shape. It is used to support laboratory equipment, such as flasks, funnels, crucibles, and evaporating dishes, during heating or other procedures.
The wire gauze provides a stable and heat-resistant surface to support the equipment, allowing heat to be evenly distributed and preventing the equipment from cracking or breaking due to uneven heating. The wire gauze is typically placed on a ring stand, which is a metal support stand commonly used in laboratories to hold equipment. The ring stand provides a secure and stable base for the wire gauze, allowing it to support the equipment even when subjected to high temperatures.