What is Emery?
Emery is a fine-grained mix of minerals which has historically been used as an abrasive. One common use for emery is in emery boards, which are used to gently file nails and calluses on the body. Emery is also embedded in emery cloth, and added to a variety of compounds and surfaces to increase traction. This mineral is available in pure form for people who want to make their own abrasive blends, and it is also available in an assortment of formats designed for specific uses, like emery paper for enhancing traction on stairs. The blend of minerals used in emery varies. The key ingredient is corundum, an extremely hard mineral, and emery typically includes an assortment of iron-bearing minerals such as magnetite as well. Depending on the mineral blend, emery can be dark gray to almost black in color, with a gritty texture which can be adjusted through grinding. Historically, emery has been heavily produced on the Greek island of Naxos, as well as in Turkey. Other abrasives have since re
