Here is a selection of SEM images of various abrasive particles:
chromium oxide
chromium oxide
chromium oxide
chromium oxide
100nm poly-diamond spray
250nm poly-diamond spray
250nm cubic boron nitride (CBN) spray.
Garnets from a Belgian Coticule hone.
Cerium oxide particle (poly-crystalline).
250nm CBN spray.
250nm CBN spray
100nm CBN spray.
100nm CBN spray.
250nm mono-diamond spray.
100nm CBN spray.
500nm mono-diamond spray.
500nm mono-diamond spray.
500nm mono-diamond spray.
Cerium oxide particle (poly-crystalline).
Thiers Issard white Pate A Rasoir.
Thiers Issard white Pate A Rasoir.
Thiers Issard white Pate A Rasoir.
scienceofsharp 
Interesting how the diamond sprays don’t have the crystalline form expected. Interesting, but not surprising, at how perfect the crystals are in the CrOx.
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Also, a common misconception is that cubic boron nitride (CBN) is comprised of cube-shaped particles.
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Let’s see some corundum!
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What I meant was: I’d find it interesting to see the alumina ceramic (sintered) stones.
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This is awesome stuff, I appreciate the time and effort you have taken on this Blog, it’s very enlightening.
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Why was there no Magnification bar for the Belgian Coticules?
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Hi Todd,
I have some calcined white submicron aluminum oxide powder. Its supposed to be 0.25 micron, at least that is what is was told. I would be willing for give you some to have, and I would also be interested if the particle size is accurately sifted/graded.
Thanks,
Mike
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Thanks, but I have bagfuls of the stuff.
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Is this kind of ‘specially prepared’ chromium oxide or just a regular powder from chemical store?
Also, do these crystals break readily with use or do they behave as large irregular lumps?
It’s really satisfying just to look at them.
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This.particular sample was purchased from an online seller of straight razor gear, so the provenance is unknown to me. I would speculate that these crystals could be separated, but I doubt it occurs readily on a soft strop.
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Wonder what Flitz polish looks like?
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