By hpc, From , Date: 2008-01-09 13:10:42
Amianthus
(Science: chemical) earth flax, or mountain flax; a soft silky variety of asbestus.
Origin: L. Amiantus, gr. (lit, unsoiled stone) a greenish stone, like asbestus; priv. _ to stain, to defile; so called from its incombustibility.