Gauze was originally made of silk. Now used for medical purposes gauze sponges are in high demand.
When used in film and theatre, gauze is often fashioned into a scrim.
Gauze is also made of cotton, especially for use in bandages. It is especially useful for dressing wounds where other fabrics might stick to the burn or laceration.
Modern gauze is sometimes made of synthetic fibers, especially when used in clothing.