Pronunciation: [ˈɛməɹi klˈɒθ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "emery cloth" can be a bit confusing. It is pronounced /ˈɛməri klɔθ/ and is spelled with an "e" at the beginning instead of an "i" as in the word "emory". This is because "emery" comes from the mineral "emery stone", which was used to make abrasive paper, and the spelling has been retained in the word "emery cloth". It is a type of sandpaper, and is commonly used for smoothing and polishing surfaces.
Emery cloth, also commonly known as emery paper, is a type of abrasive material that is widely used in various industrial and household applications. It is primarily used for polishing and smoothing metal surfaces.
Emery cloth is made by bonding fine grains of emery, a hard black or dark gray abrasive mineral, to a cloth or paper backing. The emery grains are typically made of corundum, magnetite, or a mixture of both. The cloth or paper backing provides flexibility and durability to the material, allowing for easy manipulation and longevity.
The abrasive nature of emery cloth makes it useful for removing rust, paint, and other stubborn coatings from metal surfaces. It can also be used to prepare surfaces for painting or bonding, providing a smooth and clean base. Additionally, emery cloth is ideal for hand-polishing and finishing metalwork, as it allows for precise control and desired smoothness.
Emery cloth is available in various grades or grits, indicating the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles. Different grades of emery cloth are suited for different applications, with coarser grits being used for heavy material removal and finer grits for finer finishing work.
In summary, emery cloth is an abrasive material that combines emery grains with a cloth or paper backing, making it a versatile tool for polishing, smoothing, and preparing metal surfaces. Its wide range of available grits ensures its suitability for diverse applications in various industries and personal projects.
The word "emery cloth" is derived from the mineral "emery" and the material "cloth".
The term "emery" is believed to have originated from the Greek word "élefalos" or "élephas", meaning "elephant". This is because emery was initially sourced from an island in the Aegean Sea, which was thought to be home to elephants. However, the term "emery" also resembles the Greek word "smaragdos", meaning "green gem", as emery is a greenish-gray rock.
On the other hand, "cloth" refers to a woven fabric. When combined, "emery cloth" denotes a fabric that has been coated or embedded with emery particles. Emery cloth is commonly used for tasks such as polishing, sanding, or smoothing surfaces.
