Gauzes are the square-shaped pieces of mesh or screen which are in your lab drawer. They are almost out-dated in the organic chem labs - they used to be used to support flasks when being heated with a Bunsen burner. Howevr, we do not use Bunsen burners routinely in the organic chem teaching labs any longer.
You probably will find some uses for the gauzes in your lab drawer. When placed on top of a ring, they are good, flat supports for Erlenmeyer flasks and beakers in a variety of situations.
The photo below shows a couple types of gauzes. The one on the left has a round ceramic area; this was important back when heating with Bunsen burners. The gauze on the left is made of plain screen.
Location: Student lab drawer equipment.
Cost: free.
