Abstract Fused alumina is a material used in the manufacturing of abrasive tools, due to its high fusion point, great hardness, and mechanical toughness. In this context, this study addressed the influence of niobium addition on the properties of fused alumina for abrasive applications. A comparison was also made between this oxide and the brown fused alumina and the white fused alumina traditionally applied in this market, using different characterization techniques, such as particle size characterization, scanning electron microscopy, real and bulk density, chemical analysis, fracture resistance, and abrasiveness indexes. Among the main findings of this study, it was possible to observe that the addition of niobium to fused alumina significantly increased the fracture resistance and abrasiveness indexes compared to the brown and white fused alumina.