The emery of Naxos

The emery (smirida or smirigli in Greek) is a rock that is found in the mountains of northeast Naxos. It is mined from the mines of the area (emery mines) and after a natural processing it is used as an abrasive and a scraper for metals, alloy glass, rocks and as a traction enhancer in roads and floorings. It consists of minerals, corundum, which gives the hardness and the abrasive qualities, haematite, magnetite, etc.