Concept:
Sandpaper is an abrasive material used for smoothing and finishing surfaces. The effectiveness of sandpaper depends on the hardness and sharpness of the abrasive grains bonded to the paper backing.
Explanation:
Silica (silicon dioxide) is a naturally occurring hard mineral commonly found in sand.
Traditionally, sandpaper was made by fixing fine grains of silica sand onto paper using adhesive.
Brick is too coarse and irregular for controlled abrasion.
Iron is a metal and not used as an abrasive grain in sandpaper.
Rubber is soft and flexible, unsuitable for abrasion.
Hence, the material traditionally used to make sandpaper is silica.
Final Answer: \(\boxed{\text{Silica}}\)