Brass artifacts.
(Image source)

Musical instruments.
(Image source)

Brass is a bearing class material. (Image source)

Brass is a bearing class material. (Image source)

Brass is an alloy of copper and Zinc. Their proportions may vary as per required electrical and mechanical characteristics and also have an effect on the shine of the metal. Its main properties include low melting points, easy workability, and durability. It has been traditionally used to make various types of utensils. Brass has low frictional property. This property coupled with corrosion-resistant property makes brass ideal to make products such as locks, hinges, bearings, and the like. The cold working properties of brass come to good use in the hand working of domestic and musical products.

Brass containing less than 40 percent zinc is malleable and can be cold worked. They are widely used in the manufacture of bolts and screws. Over 40 % of zinc brass is less ductile but stronger, suitable for producing goods such as bolts and handles that undergo wear and tear.