ASBESTOS is a commercial term used for fibrous silicate minerals.  The fibers of asbestos are chemically inert as well as heat resistant and flexible.  Asbestos then can be different minerals, but most commonly it is CHRYSOTILE (a variety of serpentine).  Other asbestos minerals are Crocidolite and Amosite.  For a description of Chrysotile, see Serpentine.