Brass is an alloy of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in proportions which can be varied to achieve varying mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties.[1] It is a substitutional alloy: atoms of the two constituents may replace each other within the same crystal structure.
Brass is similar to bronze, another alloy containing copper that uses tin instead of zinc.[2] Both bronze and brass also may include small proportions of a range of other elements including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), phosphorus (P), aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), and silicon (Si). Historically, the distinction between the two alloys has been less consistent and clear,[3] and modern practice in museums and archaeology increasingly avoids both terms for historical objects in favor of the more general "copper alloy
Corrosion-resistant, highly formable, and non-magnetic. These make it a common choice for electrical conductivity and technical applications.