Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and, like copper, is soft, malleable and subject to attack by ammonia and similar salts. As wire mesh, the most common type of woven brass mesh is called "270 brass" and is chemically composed of approximately 65% copper and 35% zinc. 260 High Brass" consists of 70% copper and 30% zinc and is also popular in the wire mesh industry, especially for custom produced items.