How did asbestos get its name?

The name “asbestos” comes from the ancient Greek word ἄσβεστος (asbestos), meaning “inextinguishable” or “unquenchable,” referring to its remarkable fire resistance.

The term was first applied by the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who described the mineral’s ability to withstand flames and its use in textiles that could be cleaned by throwing them into fire. However, in ancient and modern Greek, “asbestos” actually refers to quicklime, a completely different material.

The Greeks also used the word “amiantos” (meaning “undefiled” or “unstained”) to describe asbestos, highlighting its ability to emerge whiter and cleaner after exposure to fire. Over time, “asbestos” became the widely accepted name, emphasizing its fire-resistant properties.