asbestos - a fibrous amphibole; used for making fireproof articles; inhaling fibers can cause asbestosis or lung canceramphibole - a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group amphibole group - a group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium and calcium and magnesium and iron and aluminum chrysotile - a gray or green fibrous mineral; an important source of commercial asbestos tremolite - a white or pale green mineral (calcium magnesium silicate) of the amphibole group used as a form of asbestos |