Brass is primarily an alloy made of copper and zinc. The proportions of these two metals can vary, but typically, brass contains about 60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc. This combination of metals gives brass its unique properties, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and an attractive golden color, making it a popular choice for a wide variety of applications, including musical instruments, plumbing fixtures, and decorative items.
In addition to copper and zinc, other elements can be added to brass to enhance certain characteristics. For example, adding small amounts of lead can improve machinability, while tin can improve corrosion resistance.