The colors of alloys vary based on their composition and base element.
Copper alloys, such as bronze, brass, etc., are typically shades of yellow, orange, and red, depending on their copper content. An exception is cupro-nickel, used for coins and decorative purposes, which is bright silver when polished.
Steel alloys are bright or dull silver in appearance – more lustrous than pure iron.
Gold is a commonly alloyed elemental metal. Pure gold is bright, lustrous, and yellow, but silver additions reduce the yellowness to a lighter shade, while copper additions redden the appearance.
Aluminum alloys are all bright silver when freshly cut and dull to a gray and matte appearance as they age/oxidize.
