A lead-free and antimony-free brass alloy contains 56 to 66% Cu, 0.1 to 1.5% Mg, less than 0.1% Pb, and a balance of Zn. Unavoidable impurities are also present. According to other embodiments, different amounts of As, P, Al, Sn, Cu, Mg, Pb, In and Zn may be provided as well.