It's black and it's iron, at least a magnet is attracted to it. It is also nice and heavy, but that might be a minus to you. I do not know how it will fit on a blade and I won't for some months, but it looks good, nice and plain.Perfect. Great price. Bought this to replace the tsuba on my highlander replica katana. Needed a little filing to get the fit, but once on, it looks great! Wouldnt hesitate to buy other items from this seller.I will use with a practice iaito. It's nicely crafted and with a little filing will fit the tang beautifully.I received this tsuba and had to hammer down the tsuba to the hilt because it was a little small but it fit together finally. Love how it looks.Love it.So much better in personIncomplete casting, horrible quality control issues. Waste of time and money.