# Brass > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Admiralty Brass. Common Brass. Gilding Metal. Orichalcum. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Bright, gold-like; from near-perfect imitation of gold to red hues to silvery whiteness | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Cook]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Culinary<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | —— | > | **Formations** | Does not occur naturally | > | **Formula** | —— | > | **Hardness** | —— | > | **Mineral Class** | Metal alloy | > | **Primary Components** | copper, zinc | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A copper-zinc alloy with a characteristic bright, gold-like appearance. It manifests and attracts wealth, repels disease, aids communication, and helps in seafaring. ### Physical Description An alloy of copper and zinc, usually in 2:1 proportion. Relatively soft and malleable (more than bronze), it is used extensively for its chemical and physical properties. Adding other metals—like tin, lead, or aluminum—changes the alloy to better perform in specific circumstances. High copper content allows the metal to form a protective oxide layer (patina) to guard it against further corrosion. --- ## Occurrence Brass does not occur naturally. ### Extraction & Preparation In a crucible, melt copper together with a zinc-oxide rich ore, like calamine. At a high temperature, zinc turns into vapor and permeates the copper, producing acceptable quality brass. If zinc ingots are available instead, add them directly to melted copper, allow for vaporization, and pour into forms. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Brass is a beloved metal of artists: easy to cast using simple methods and limited tools. Depending on the proportions of copper and zinc, it achieves various shades, from near-perfect imitation of gold to red hues to silvery whiteness. Brass lecterns, candelabras, candlesticks, caskets, plaques, censers, vessels, and mortars are commonly found in public and private spaces, as well as in places of worship. ### Industrial Properties The properties of brass make it useful for production of musical instruments, doorknobs, hinges, fittings, utensils, tools, ammunition cases, locks, and gears. Unlike many other metals, brass may be safely used near flammable substances, as it does not produce sparks when struck. Thanks to the copper content, it is bactericidal and is often employed on ships, as it prevents biofouling: accumulation of plants, algae, and small animals on submerged surfaces. ### Magical Properties A great tool of warfare, brass strengthens communication and organization, especially on the battlefield. Brass trumpets played during the battle bestow courage and raise morale of troops, instilling confidence in the leaders and ensuring successful relaying of orders. It is a favored metal of deities and spirits aligned with war, honor, physical prowess, fire, and the Sun. Brass is particularly suited for enchanted musical instruments; the patina protects the spellwork from wear, while the physical properties of metal ensure quality of sound. Music played on brass instruments resonates in the soul and carries itself into other realms; the sound of a brass bell can even reach beyond the Veil. Use brass in spells and rituals attracting wealth or manipulating material possessions. In most cases, it may be used as a much cheaper replacement for gold in magical—but not alchemical—practice. Vessels made of brass are commonly used to build constructs and automatons. Brass creations are more obedient and precise in fulfilling their orders. Their gold-like appearance makes them sought-after by those willing to flaunt their wealth. In naval travel, a set of brass navigation tools will always guide the ship to a safe harbor, though not always by the shortest route.