An alloy is a mixture of two or more metallic elements that form a solid solution. There are three main types of alloys: substitutional alloys where one atom replaces another in the crystal structure, interstitial alloys where atoms fill spaces in the crystal structure, and interstitial alloys with a combination of both. Common alloys include steel, which is iron with carbon; brass which is copper and zinc; and bronze which is copper and tin. Alloys are made by melting different metals together.