Brass is a yellow metallic alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc. Its composition gives it a characteristic color and a unique blend of mechanical properties, including durability, relatively low cost, and moderate corrosion resistance compared to its parent metals. This malleability and strength allow it to be cast, forged, and machined into a vast array of components. Due to these properties, the material has been widely utilized throughout history and remains important in modern technology for applications ranging from plumbing fixtures and musical instruments to hardware components and decorative architectural elements.