Bronze is an alloy typically formed from copper and tin, although occasionally small amounts of other metals are also present. The substance was developed before 3000 BC, but it was not heavily utilized until many years later when large deposits of tin were discovered in Great Britain and other areas. Harder and easier to melt than pure copper, bronze is well suited for casting and has been extensively used to form weaponry, armor, coinage, sculptures, jewelry, and household items, such as candlesticks, in the past. Over time, bronze tarnishes to form a natural blue or greenish patina.