What Is Red Brass?
Red brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, has a lower zinc content than regular brass. Typically, red brass refers to alloys with a zinc content ranging from 3% to 20%, characterized by their reddish color and softness. Alloys with about 10% zinc are known as red brass, while those with around 15% zinc are referred to as gold brass.
The color of the alloy becomes more reddish, termed “red-copper color,” as the zinc content decreases. At approximately 10% zinc, the color shifts to yellowish-red, and at around 20% zinc, it takes on a light orange hue.
Uses of Red Brass
Softer and more malleable than standard brass, red brass is commonly used in building materials, ornaments, and jewelry, leveraging its distinctive reddish appearance. Its color varies with the zinc content.
Red brass is also popular in brass bands and other brass instruments. This preference is not just due to its aesthetically pleasing color but also because of its corrosion resistance, workability, and sound retention qualities.
Characteristics of Red Brass
Red brass shares basic properties with brass, including good tensile strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity. It is more resistant to rust compared to steel. However, due to its lower zinc content, red brass is softer and less suited for applications that require hardness. It offers superior ductility and drawability compared to regular brass.
An important feature of red brass is its light red color, attributed to its higher copper content, making it similar in appearance to copper. This quality makes it a favored choice for ornamental uses. While red brass has a certain level of corrosion resistance, it can oxidize and form bluish-green verdigris, similar to pure copper, when exposed to oxygen. Therefore, despite its aesthetic appeal, it requires more maintenance than compared to highly corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel.