Brown aluminum oxide	Garnet (ruby red)	Semi-friable aluminum oxide	Ceramic aluminum oxide
Emery	Silicon carbide	White aluminum oxide	Zirconia alumina

New abrasives like zirconia alumina and ceramic aluminum oxide are also gaining in popularity, while the use of natural minerals like garnet and emery is on a sharp decline.

The hardness and toughness of the abrasive grains depend on the raw material used and determine the characteristics and application of the abrasives.