An fixed abrasive article is provided which includes a matrix material and abrasive particles embedded within the matrix material. The abrasive particles have a core-shell structure that includes a polycrystalline alpha alumina core and a shell layer overlying the polycrystalline alpha alumina core. The shell layer includes a material selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide and zirconium oxide. Also the polycrystalline alpha alumina core includes grains and having an average grain size of not greater than about 500 nm.