Abrasive materials are substances used to wear away or smooth surfaces through friction. Common examples include sandpaper, grinding wheels, and diamond dust. These materials can be natural, like sand and gravel, or synthetic, such as alumina and silicon carbide. They are essential in various industries for tasks like polishing, cutting, and shaping different materials. The effectiveness of an abrasive material depends on its hardness, shape, and size. Harder materials can cut through softer ones more efficiently. Applications range from manufacturing and construction to personal grooming products, such as nail files and exfoliating scrubs.