Brasses are copper alloys in which zinc is the principal alloying element. Other additions can be made to produce or enhance particular properties. Brasses are the most versitile and most widely used copper alloys, second only to copper itself.

Brasses are very useful because of their strength, ductility & formability, fair electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance. Common applications for brasses include forged, stamped, rolled, and cold-headed products for electrical, mechanical or corrosion resistant applications. Due to their colorful nature, brasses are often used for decorative and architectural products.

Taken from Copper Rod Alloys for Machined Products by the Copper Development Association.