What are gauge blocks made of?

[TreasureHunter]

If you know what calibration gauge blocks are - what are they usually made of?

How can someone find out which metal they're made of.

I've heard some are made of steel, others tungsten, tantalum etc.

Their price varies. I've seen some sets costing 500 USD, all the way to more than 2,500 USD. What influences the price besides their material and their quantity in a set?

 

[tongkat]

From my experience- tungsten as it wears less. Mostly paying for accuracy which is critical when wringing (using multiple blocks to make up a given thickness).

 

[TreasureHunter]

From my experience- tungsten as it wears less. Mostly paying for accuracy which is critical when wringing (using multiple blocks to make up a given thickness).

How could anyone tell the material?

 

[Ag109]

How could anyone tell the material?

Tungsten carbide is a lot heavier than steel or ceramic and is grey in color.
Steel is more common and will stick to a magnet.

 

[TreasureHunter]

^
Tungsten carbide doesn't sound like metal. These look like metal: they look like steel, but have an odd look/feel/touch to it.