brass v. bronze

Brass is a copper alloy with zinc as the main additive. Small amounts of other metals (e.g., manganese, aluminum, silicon, and arsenic) may be added to yield alloys that are stronger, more corrosion resistant, or more easily machined. Brass is used in the construction of plumbing and electrical components, horns, valves, doorknobs, and coins.

Bronze is a copper alloy usually with tin as the main additive. However, many of the alloying ingredients listed for brass may be used instead of (or in addition to) tin. Bronze is used in statues, springs, weatherstripping, ship fittings, bearings, and cymbals.

• Brass is soft and malleable; bronze is hard and tough.
• Brass is yellowish to golden; bronze is a moderate yellow to olive brown.
• Bronze is more resistant to corrosion than brass.
• Bronze is more expensive than brass.