Ăm/i-ăn’thus, n.

n. [Lat. amiantus, Gr. ἀμίαντος λίθος (lit. unsoiled stone), a greenish stone, like asbestos; from a priv. and μιαίνειν, to stain, to defile; so called, according to Pliny (36, 19), from its incombustibility.] (Min.) Earth flax, or mountain-flax; a mineral substance somewhat resembling flax, belonging either to the species pyroxene or hornblende, usually grayish, or of a greenish-white; sometimes of a yellowish or silvery white, olive or mountain green, of a pale flesh-red or other color. It is composed of delicate filaments, very flexible, and somewhat elastic, often long, and resembling threads of silk. It is incombustible, and has sometimes been wrought into cloth and paper. Dana.