Hobbies And Interests
Description
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, although the proportions of both can vary depending on the purpose of the brass. It has a muted yellow color and to a certain extent resembles gold, the key difference being that brass is magnetic and gold is not. It is a soft, malleable metal.
Brass in Historical Texts
Brass is referred to often in ancient documents, such as the Bible, but it is used interchangeably with bronze, which is an alloy of copper with tin. In ancient times, the metal brass often had a secondary symbolic meaning.
Early History
Brass has been used since prehistory, although its status as a distinctive composition was not established until the Roman period. Until the Romans made use of zinc, the distinction between brass and bronze was not fully understood. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of brass declined in favor of other mixed alloys that were easier to produce, but less durable.
Brass in the Renaissance to Today
Brass making fully developed during the Renaissance in Europe, especially in Germany. Improvements in mining zinc made brass more accessible and by the 19th century, alloys containing less zinc were developed which made brass even cheaper. Increased demand for consumer goods in the 19th and 20th century fueled the demand for brass, and today it is an industry that employs millions of people.
Uses
Brass is used often for hardware, and is frequently lacquered which prevents tarnishing of the metal when it is exposed to the elements. It was used to make fan blades in many antique fans and, because brass has a tenancy to disinfect itself of many bacteria, it is often used in hospitals. It has industrial uses as well, and is used in water boiler systems. Many nations use brass in their coins and it is often used for instruments.