Dutch metal is a form of brass being an alloy of copper, 84% and zinc 16%.
It is very malleable and ductile and can be beaten into very thin sheets. It is these sheets that are sold as Dutch Metal, for use as metal leaf or imitation gold leaf.
The addition of arsenic produces an alloy with similar properties but coloured white.
Famous quotes containing the words dutch and/or metal:
“Too nice is neighbor’s fool.”
—Common Dutch saying, trans by Johanna C. Prins.
“And, indeed, is there not something holy about a great kitchen?... The scoured gleam of row upon row of metal vessels dangling from hooks or reposing on their shelves till needed with the air of so many chalices waiting for the celebration of the sacrament of food. And the range like an altar, yes, before which my mother bowed in perpetual homage, a fringe of sweat upon her upper lip and the fire glowing in her cheeks.”
—Angela Carter (1940–1992)