Abrasives

Abrasive, sharp, hard material used to wear away the surface of softer, less resistant materials. Included within the term are both natural and synthetic substances, ranging from the relatively soft particles used in household cleansers and jeweler's polish to the hardest known material, the diamond.

An abrasive is a material, often a mineral, that is used to shape or finish a workpiece through rubbing which leads to part of the workpiece being worn away by friction

Abrasives are substances used to smooth out or machine (to mold or finish by machinery) other softer materials through extensive rubbing. They work by scratching away the surface of materials in order to rid it of unwanted roughness or substances. Common examples include, pumice, sandpaper, emery, and sand.