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Why is emery used on stair treads and pavements?
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abrasive
Worker using an angle grinder to smooth a piece of metal.
Emery is used on stair treads and pavements primarily because it serves as an effective nonskid material.
Its utility in these applications stems from its significant hardness, which has a Mohs hardness rating of approximately 8. This durability provides the necessary friction to prevent slipping, making surfaces safer for pedestrian traffic. While emery was historically valued as an abrasive for grinding and polishing, its role as a slip-resistant additive in construction materials remains its largest modern application.1