Abstract: Abrasive grains having a shape such that the mean particle volume ratio thereof is less than about 0.8, and preferably ranges from about 0.3 to about 0.7. Typically, the grains have the shape of a thin platelet, the average thickness of which must be no greater than about 460 micrometers. The abrasive grains of this invention can be used in coated abrasive products, bonded abrasive products, nonwoven abrasive products, and abrasive brushes. The products made with the grains of this invention exhibit higher initial cut and higher total cut, along with lower grinding forces than do products having equivalent weight loadings of conventional abrasive grains.