All comparisons
Buying Guide
Brass vs Bronze
Brass is copper + zinc. Bronze is copper + tin (and sometimes aluminium, silicon, or nickel). Both are decorative, corrosion-resistant copper alloys but they differ in colour, hardness, and behaviour in marine environments.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Brass | Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| Primary alloying element | Zinc (5–45%) | Tin (typically 5–12%) |
| Density | 8.40–8.73 g/cc | 8.80 g/cc |
| Colour | Bright yellow-gold | Reddish-brown / dull gold |
| Hardness | Lower | Higher |
| Machinability | Excellent (free-cutting brass) | Good |
| Corrosion (marine) | Susceptible to dezincification | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (tin is expensive) |
| Common uses | Plumbing, fittings, decorative, musical instruments | Bushings, marine hardware, bearings, sculptures |
When to choose Brass
Choose brass for decorative work, plumbing fittings, machined parts, and indoor non-marine applications where machinability and cost matter.
Buy Brass on MetaleMartWhen to choose Bronze
Choose bronze for marine hardware, bearings, bushings, and any wear application where strength and seawater resistance are critical.
Buy Bronze on MetaleMartFrequently asked questions
Is brass or bronze stronger?
Bronze is generally harder and stronger; brass is more ductile and easier to machine.
Which one rusts?
Neither rusts (they contain no iron), but brass can suffer dezincification in salt water — bronze does not.
Which is more expensive?
Bronze is typically 20–40% more expensive due to tin content.