Copper, zinc and brass (from left to right). Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It can contain from 20-45 percent of zinc, depending on the type of brass. Brass is easily shaped (malleable) and is a good electrical conductor. Copper and zinc are both transition metal elements. Zinc is also used in batteries and paints. A major use of zinc is in galvanizing: coating other metals to protect them from corrosion. Copper is also used to manufacture coins, in plumbing, dyes and chemical catalysts.