About aluminium oxide sandpaper – This is a sharp, blocky mineral, the most common all-purpose woodworking abrasive for a very good reason. It is the only abrasive mineral that fragments under the heat and pressure generated by sanding wood. This characteristic is called friability and it’s highly desirable. As you sand, aluminum oxide renews its cutting edges constantly, staying sharp and cutting much longer than other minerals.
Aluminium oxide is also a relatively tough abrasive, which means its edges don’t dull much before they fragment. Its excellent friability and toughness make it the longest lasting and the most economical abrasive mineral.