Brass is a copper-zinc-tin alloy (80% copper, 15% zinc, 5% tin) with a warm gold-like color and fine detail, suited to jewelry, miniatures, and prototypes, though it tarnishes over time.
Brass is a tin brass (80% copper, 15% zinc, 5% tin) that reproduces fine detail and is a lower-cost alternative to gold and silver.
When polished, brass is smooth and shiny and when unpolished, it is matte, rough, and antique in appearance. Cast brass is fairly ductile and dense, but it tarnishes and develops a patina over time and is not rated as biocompatible.
Brass is a good option for jewelry, miniatures, and test pieces before committing to gold or silver.