Bronze

An alloy of copper and tin

The era of our story world is called the Bronze Age, which shows how important this metal was at the time. Iron existed, and was used to a limited extent, but bronze was preferred for mass production.

Bronze is the primary alloy in use by Hellas and the surrounding world for uses including weapons, tools, ship fittings, bells, and decor. Its usage requires mining and refining, or trade to acquire its component metals of copper and tin, and dedicated smiths to work and shape the material in a forge. The stockpiling of bronze dictates the wealth of a city or civilization.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Bronze has a dull appearance but can be trimmed with gold, silver, copper, or tin to add decorative shine. Bronze is hard and brittle, resists metal fatigue and corrosion, and is especially resistant to seawater corrosion. Bismuth bronze alloy is able to hold a good polish and so is sometimes used in mirrors. Sculpture bronze expands slightly as it cools, allowing it to fill in the fine details of a mold.

History & Usage

History

The first known existence of bronze dates to about 3500 BC and the Sumerians and lends its name to the Bronze age. The discovery of bronze enabled people to create better metal objects than before as bronze is harder and more durable than stone and copper.

Everyday use

Used for weapons, armor, tools, decorative tiles, statues, and figurines.

Manufacturing & Products

Bronze is an alloy, primarily of copper, usually combined with tin, but phosphorous, manganese, aluminum, and/or silicon can also be added. Bismuth bronze alloy has a composition of 52 parts copper, 30 parts nickel, 12 parts zinc, 5 parts lead, and 1 part bismuth. Bell metal bronze is about 23% tin.

Reusability & Recycling

Bronze can be melted by a smith and recast.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Copper and tin must be obtained to produce bronze, requiring trade in areas outside the fortuitous area of deposits.

Law & Regulation

Bronze ownership is heavily regulated by the state, which maintains a monopoly on the employment of smiths.

Type

Metal

Value

Highly valued

Rarity

Common

Color

Reddish brown

Melting / Freezing Point

~950 °C (1,742 °F), depending on the exact composition.