Abstract: An abrasive fluid jet cutting composition, method and apparatus for cutting an object from a sheet. In one embodiment, a fluid jet stream is directed against a glass sheet to cut a disk substrate for use in a data storage device. An abrasive slurry is delivered to a fluid jet head from a slurry tank. The slurry is formed by mixing water, abrasive particles, a surfactant or surfactants, and an acid or base. The head also receives a pressurized fluid from a fluid pump. The abrasive slurry and the pressurized fluid are mixed in the head to form the fluid jet stream. Preferably, the abrasive particles are 8-64 microns and may include recycled scrap. The slurry may also contain polishing particles that are smaller than the abrasive particles to affect polishing. In addition to reducing surface tension, the surfactant may cause the abrasive particles to flocculate or disperse.