About Brass

Brass is an all-purpose metal that is used to create a wide range of items from home decor to industrial accessories. Made from a combination of copper and zinc, it is noted for its attractive gold color and long-lasting durability.

Identification

Brass is categorized as an alloy of zinc and copper. Depending on the proportions of each substance, different properties of brass can be created. Brass is tarnish-resistant and produces low friction, allowing it to be used in a variety of applications. It conducts heat well, is highly malleable and has a low melting point of 940 degrees Celsius. Brass is also highly recyclable.

Misconceptions

Brass is a close cousin of bronze, and many people mistakenly identify brass and bronze. The difference is the components that make up the metal. Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper while bronze is an alloy of tin and copper.

Types

There are many types of brass, and the difference is in the combination of components as well as some additional properties. Some of the more common brasses are alpha brass (less than 35 percent zinc), aluminum brass (which contains aluminum), beta brass (with 50 percent zinc), common brass (37 percent zinc), gilding metal brass (95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc), leaded brass (which includes lead), low brass (20 percent zinc), white brass (more than 50 percent zinc), yellow brass (with 33 percent zinc) and arsenical brass (which contains some arsenic and aluminum).

Benefits

Because of its luster, low friction and durability, brass is used in a variety of ways. The low friction allows it to be used effectively in musical instruments, locks, doorknobs, ammunition, valves, plumbing appliances and zippers. The color and durability make it an obvious choice for decorative home items, such as door hardware and furniture such as beds and lamps.

History

Brass is one of the oldest known metal alloys, with brass artifiacts unearthed dating to prehistoric times. Ancient Romans set up processing stations for brass near calamine ore mining camps to melt copper and calamine together to create a strong and tarnish-resistant metal. The Bible mentions brass in several places, but those are believed to be references to a bronze alloy rather than the copper and zinc alloy termed "brass" today. Throughout history, polished brass could be used as a mirror; many ancient brass mirrors have been unearthed in Asia and Europe.