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Dutch metal
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Dutch metal

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History

Dutch metal, brass with a yellow colour simulating that of gold. The percentage of copper ranges from 85 to 88, the remainder being zinc. As the zinc content becomes higher, the colour becomes paler. Highly ductile and malleable, Dutch metal is used in bronzing and in preparing imitation gold leaf. Gilding with Dutch metal is far less costly than gilding with gold, but the coating of Dutch metal tarnishes rapidly unless coated with lacquer. See also brass.