Abrasive materials have been used by humans since ancient times. The earliest known use of abrasives was by the Egyptians, who used sand and crushed shells to polish their stones and metals. The Greeks and Romans also used abrasives, with the Greeks using pumice and the Romans using powdered glass to polish their metals.

During the Middle Ages, abrasives were used to sharpen swords and other weapons. The most common abrasive used during this time was a type of natural stone called novaculite, which was found in Arkansas and other parts of the United States.

In the 19th century, new abrasive materials were developed, including corundum, which is a type of mineral that is used to make sandpaper and other abrasive products. Silicon carbide and aluminum oxide were also developed during this time and became popular abrasives.
The industrial revolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the development of new abrasive technologies, such as coated abrasives, which are made by coating a backing material with abrasive particles. This allowed for the production of sandpaper and other abrasive products on a larger scale.

Today, abrasives are used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and automotive. They are used to cut, grind, polish, and shape a variety of materials, from metals and plastics to wood and stone.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of new, environmentally friendly abrasives. These include abrasives made from recycled materials, such as crushed glass and plastic, as well as natural abrasives, such as walnut shells and corn cob grit. These new abrasives offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional abrasives and are becoming increasingly popular in many industries.