Dutch metal explained

Dutch metal is a form of brass. The alloy typically consists of 85–88% copper and the remainder being zinc. It is also known by other names such as "composition gold leaf", "Dutch gold", "Schlagmetal" and "Schlag leaf".[1]

It is very malleable and ductile and so can be beaten into very thin sheets. These sheets are sold for use as metal leaf or imitation gold leaf.[2] The addition of arsenic produces an alloy with similar properties but coloured white.

See also

References

  1. News: Dutch metal. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2017-06-20. en.
  2. Book: Becker, Ellen. Gold Leaf Application and Antique Restoration. Schiffer Pub. Limited. 1998. 9780764306327.