What does attrition resistance measure in an abrasive material?

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Angle grinder — abrasive Worker using an angle grinder to smooth a piece of metal.

In the context of abrasive materials, attrition resistance measures the ability of an abrasive to resist rapid dulling and inefficient performance caused by chemical or physical interactions with the material being ground.1

While hardness and toughness are critical properties, they do not account for the specific reactions that can occur between an abrasive and a workpiece. For example, when silicon carbide is used on steel or alumina is used on glass, a reaction occurs that leads to premature dulling of the abrasive grain. Attrition resistance is the specific property that characterizes an abrasive's capacity to maintain its cutting efficiency despite these interactions.1