Brass

Brass is any alloy of copper and zinc. The proportions of brass and copper can be changed so as to create a range of “different” brasses, each of which will have different properties. Brass acts as a substitutional alloy and is extensively used in the making of musical instruments, furniture, door handles, chandeliers, and also for decoration, plumbing and electrical applications, rifle and pistol ammunition, etc. Brass has been known to humans since pre-historic times, and was produced by melting copper together with calamine, a zinc ore. The unique acoustic properties and high malleability of brass has led to its extensive usage in the making of musical instruments like trombone, tuba, trumpet, euphonium, French Horn, saxophone, harmonica, etc. Brass is more malleable than copper or zinc. Also it has a relatively low melting point (900–940 °C depending on composition) and has high fluidity. This makes brass a relatively easier material to cast and makes it much easier to work with. Also by changing the proportion of zinc or copper, hard or soft brasses can be produced as per the requirement.

Brass has also been extensively used throughout history in the making of furniture and for decorative objects like shields, sculptures, etc. Brass antiques like shields, rifles, etc are well-sought after by collectors, as are antique brass beds and highly decorative antique brass door handles.