What is brass?

Brass is an alloy specifically composed of copper and zinc. This combination gives brass its characteristic properties, such as improved strength and corrosion resistance compared to pure copper. The percentages of copper and zinc can vary, typically with copper making up between 55% to 90% of the alloy, but the essential feature of brass remains that it is not a pure metal but rather a mixture designed for specific applications, such as plumbing fixtures, musical instruments, and decorative items.

Understanding what constitutes brass is crucial in distinguishing it from other materials like bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin, or pure forms of metals. The uniqueness of brass comes from its composition, which allows it to exhibit desirable mechanical properties not present in pure metals or other alloys.