2513.20 - Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives:

This HTS category, 2513.20, encompasses natural abrasive materials such as emery, natural corundum, and natural garnet, as well as other naturally occurring abrasive substances. These materials are primarily valued for their hardness and granular structure, making them suitable for grinding, polishing, and abrading applications. The classification applies whether these abrasives are in their raw, unprocessed state or have undergone heat treatment to enhance their abrasive properties.

Unlike the sibling category 2513.10.00, which is exclusively for pumice stone, this category focuses on a distinct group of minerals known for their superior hardness and abrasive capabilities, beyond the common use of pumice. Emery, for instance, is a granular metamorphic rock rich in corundum, while natural corundum and garnet are recognized for their crystalline hardness, making them effective for more demanding abrasive tasks.

Within this category, further distinctions are made based on the physical form of the abrasive material. Subcategory 2513.20.10.00 covers abrasives that are in their crude state or in irregular, unshaped pieces, reflecting minimal processing. The broader subcategory 2513.20.90.00 encompasses all other forms of these natural abrasives that do not fit the description of crude or irregular pieces, likely including materials that have been screened, sized, or otherwise processed to meet specific abrasive applications, but excluding finished abrasive articles.