Brass

Brass is a metallic alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. The proportions of copper and zinc can vary, resulting in different types of brass with varying properties. Small amounts of other elements may also be included to achieve specific characteristics.

The addition of zinc to copper imparts several beneficial properties to brass, including increased strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. 

Brass colored bowls

Brass has long been a popular material for its bright gold-like appearance. It is commonly used for doorknobs, drawer pulls, hinges, light fixtures, and other decorative hardware due to its warm color, resistance to corrosion, and workability.

Brass is still commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance and low friction are required, such as locks and keys. Brass screws, nuts, bolts, and other fasteners are used for their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.

It is used extensively for musical instruments like trumpets, tubas, trombones, and saxophones because of its excellent sound properties and resonance.

Brass is used in costume jewelry and fashion accessories due to its affordability, malleability, and ability to mimic more expensive metals like gold.

The first Roman coins were made of brass and weighed up to 1lb each.

Brass doorknobs (or any other brass objects) sterilise themselves after about eight hours since bacteria have a hard time surviving on brass. This is called the Oligodynamic Effect.

During World War II, the United States government confiscated brass from theaters to use in the war effort. This was because brass was a valuable metal that could be used to make ammunition and other war supplies.

The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago was one of the theaters that was affected by this policy. The owners of the building painted all of the brass in the theater white to hide it from the government. This way, the government would think that the theater did not have any brass, and they would not confiscate it.

The brass was then forgotten about until a 1999 renovation. During the renovation, the paint was removed from the brass, and it was rediscovered. The brass was then restored to its original condition, and it is now a part of the theater's history.