what is abestos
General Definition. Asbestos is the name of a group of highly fibrous minerals with separable, long, and thin fibers. Separated asbestos fibers are strong enough and flexible enough to be spun and woven.Asbestos fibers are heat resistant, making them useful for many industrial purposes.ypes of Asbestos. There are two general types of asbestos, amphibole and chrysotile. Some studies show that amphibole fibers stay in the lungs longer than chrysotile, and this tendency may account for their increased toxicity (harmfulness to the body).