What is a common characteristic of clay at the leather hard stage?

At the leather hard stage, clay has a unique combination of characteristics that make it particularly versatile for manipulation. It retains enough moisture to allow for some shaping and detailing while having stiffened enough to hold its form without collapsing. This state is ideal for adding textures, assembling parts, or carving into the surface. The moisture content in leather hard clay prevents it from being completely dry, which would make it brittle and unworkable, while still being firm enough to support additional techniques such as attaching pieces.

The other options do not accurately describe the leather hard stage. The stage where clay is completely dry and hard refers to bone dry, not leather hard. While leather hard clay can be prepared for firing, it is not typically glazed at this stage; glazing generally occurs on bisque-fired or bone dry clay. Lastly, stating that it has reached its final form does not account for the ongoing ability to shape and refine the clay, which is a defining trait of leather hard clay.