Bronze is a yellowish-brown metallic alloy that is primarily made of copper and a small percentage of tin and other metals. It is a metal that is ductile, durable, and has low friction with other metals. It can be easily melted down and molded into a variety of end uses including faucets, plumbing fixtures, decorative metal sheets, facades, refrigerators, ceiling and wall tiles, and room dividers. When bronze is exposed to natural elements such as air and water, it will oxidize and begin to patina. Often times a patina, or change to the metal’s color, is desirable as it creates a product with a unique color and design. Other end uses for bronze outside of the architecture and design world include propellers, weapons and tools, musical instruments, sculptures, and valves.
This metal is produced by melting down copper to a liquid state and mixing it with a desired percentage of tin and other metals. Depending on the percentages of copper, tin, and additional metals that are mixed together, the bronze will have several varieties. It is possible to identify that the metal is bronze and not brass, as bronze metals will have rings visible on its surface.
Bronze is reusable and recyclable and will not lose its original properties no matter how many times it is reused. It is also known as a green alloy, which is a metal that contains little to no lead, as well as containing metals that are not toxic to the environment, people, or animals.