Gunmetal vs. Brass — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 29, 2023
Gunmetal is a bronze alloy, primarily composed of copper, tin, and sometimes zinc, while brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Difference Between Gunmetal and Brass
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gunmetal is traditionally known as a type of bronze. It has a dark gray or bluish-gray color, distinguishing it from brass which commonly has a bright, yellowish hue.
In its makeup, gunmetal typically consists of copper, tin, and occasionally zinc. On the other hand, brass is formulated from copper and zinc, leading to its distinct color and properties.
Gunmetal was originally used primarily for making guns, giving it its name. Brass, with its malleability and anti-corrosive properties, has diverse applications including musical instruments and decorative items.
When it comes to strength and resistance, gunmetal often possesses better anti-corrosion capabilities, especially in saltwater. Brass, meanwhile, is recognized for its acoustic properties, making it a popular choice for instruments like trumpets and saxophones.
A key point of differentiation is their appearance: gunmetal's gray or blue tint contrasts with the shiny, golden appearance of brass.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Copper, tin, and sometimes zinc
Copper and zinc
Color
Dark gray or bluish-gray
Bright, yellowish
Historical Usage
Traditionally used for making guns
Used for musical instruments, decorations
Key Properties
Anti-corrosion, especially in saltwater
Malleable, anti-corrosive, good acoustics
Common Applications
Valves, steam fittings, gears
Door knobs, locks, instruments
Compare with Definitions
Gunmetal
A type of bronze alloy.
The statue was crafted from pure gunmetal.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc.
The shiny brass door handle gleamed in the sunlight.
Gunmetal
A dark gray or bluish-gray metal.
The gunmetal finish on the car looked sleek.
Brass
Known for its bright, yellowish color.
The band's brass section shone under the stage lights.
Gunmetal
Traditionally used in gunmaking.
The cannon showcased the durable nature of gunmetal.
Brass
Ornaments, objects, or utensils made of this alloy.
Gunmetal
Alloy mainly composed of copper and tin.
Gunmetal is often selected for its resistance to corrosion.
Brass
The persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something;
He claims that the present administration is corrupt
The governance of an association is responsible to its members
He quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment
Gunmetal
Commonly used for valves and fittings.
The plumbing fittings made of gunmetal lasted years.
Brass
The section of a band or an orchestra composed of brass instruments.
Gunmetal
Gun metal, also known as red brass in the United States, is a type of bronze; an alloy of copper, tin and zinc. Proportions vary but 88% copper, 8–10% tin, and 2–4% zinc is an approximation.
Brass
Inferior composition.
Gunmetal
A grey corrosion-resistant form of bronze containing zinc.
Brass
A brass nail; a prostitute.
Gunmetal
An alloy of copper with 10 percent tin.
Brass
A brass plate engraved with a figure or device. Specifically, one used as a memorial to the dead, and generally having the portrait, coat of arms, etc.
Gunmetal
Metal used for guns.
Brass
Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass.
Gunmetal
(historical) A type of bronze used for making cannons.
Brass
Used in making musical instruments.
The brass trumpet emitted a clear, melodious sound.
Gunmetal
A dark gray.
Brass
Made of brass, of or pertaining to brass.
Gunmetal
An alloy of 88% copper, 10% tin and 2% zinc, originally used for making guns.
Brass
A wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
Gunmetal
A dark grey or bluish-grey colour; gunmetal grey.
Brass
Utensils, ornaments, or other articles of brass.
The very scullion who cleans the brasses.
Gunmetal
A type of bronze used for parts subject to wear or corrosion (especially corrosion by sea water)
Brass
(uncountable) A metallic alloy of copper and zinc used in many industrial and plumbing applications.
Brass
Spent shell casings (usually made of brass); the part of the cartridge left over after bullets have been fired.
Brass
(uncountable) The colour of brass.
Brass
An ornament or utensil made of brass
Brass
The section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments
Brass
A memorial made of brass
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, in proportions which can be varied to achieve varying mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. It is a substitutional alloy: atoms of the two constituents may replace each other within the same crystal structure.
Brass
A yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes including small amounts of other metals, but usually 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc.
Brass
Brass instruments or their players considered as a group.
Brass
A memorial plaque or tablet made of brass, especially one on which an effigy is incised.
Brass
A bushing or similar lining for a bearing, made from a copper alloy.
Brass
(Informal) Bold self-assurance; effrontery.
Brass
(Slang) High-ranking military officers or other high officials.
Brass
Chiefly British Money.
Brass
Fittings, utensils, or other items made of brass
Brass
(music) A class of wind instruments, usually made of metal (such as brass), that use vibrations of the player's lips to produce sound; the section of an orchestra that features such instruments
Brass
Impudent aggressiveness;
I couldn't believe her boldness
He had the effrontery to question my honesty
Brass
Popular in decorative and functional items.
The antique shop showcased several brass artifacts.
Brass
A memorial or sepulchral tablet usually made of brass or latten
Brass
High-ranking officers.
The brass are not going to like this.
The brass is not going to like this.
Brass
A brave or foolhardy attitude; impudence.
You've got a lot of brass telling me to do that!
Brass
Money.
Brass
Of the colour of brass.
Brass
(informal) Impertinent, bold: brazen.
Brass
(slang) Bad, annoying; as wordplay applied especially to brass instruments.
Brass
Of inferior composition.
Brass
(slang) Brass monkey; cold.
Brass
(transitive) To coat with brass.
Brass
An alloy (usually yellow) of copper and zinc, in variable proportion, but often containing two parts of copper to one part of zinc. It sometimes contains tin, and rarely other metals.
Brass
A journal bearing, so called because frequently made of brass. A brass is often lined with a softer metal, when the latter is generally called a white metal lining. See Axle box, Journal Box, and Bearing.
Brass
Coin made of copper, brass, or bronze.
Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey.
Brass
Impudence; a brazen face.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc
Brass
Malleable and anti-corrosive metal.
The brass ornament was intricately designed.
Common Curiosities
What is brass primarily composed of?
Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc.
Why is it called gunmetal?
It's called gunmetal because it was traditionally used for making guns.
Which metal, between gunmetal and brass, is typically harder?
Gunmetal is generally harder and more wear-resistant than brass.
What is gunmetal typically made of?
Gunmetal is typically a bronze alloy, primarily composed of copper, tin, and sometimes zinc.
What color is gunmetal?
Gunmetal has a dark gray or bluish-gray color.
Why is brass commonly used for musical instruments?
Brass is used for musical instruments due to its malleability and good acoustic properties.
Are gunmetal and brass expensive?
The cost of gunmetal and brass can vary based on market conditions, but generally, brass is more readily available and might be less expensive than gunmetal in certain contexts.
Are both gunmetal and brass alloys of copper?
Yes, both gunmetal and brass are alloys of copper but with different secondary metals.
Can gunmetal and brass be easily distinguished by color?
Yes, gunmetal has a gray or bluish tint, while brass has a bright, yellowish hue.
Which is more resistant to corrosion in saltwater: gunmetal or brass?
Gunmetal is often more resistant to corrosion in saltwater compared to brass.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
