Probably, I need to insert my quote from the thread Anchiton or Amianton.
Quote:Hebrew and Aramaic "cheton" (also "keton", "kheton") originally implies flax or linen, or linen clothes.You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
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As it was mentioned, asbestos frequently was called "flax", "stone-flax", "mountain flax", "linum vivum" (Pliny the Elder), etc. So, I see here a strong possibility.
"Asbestos and Fire: Technological Tradeoffs and the Body at Risk" (read a very detailed and interesting history You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.)
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I suppose that the original word was "antichiton", indeed, afterwards it was shortened to "anchiton". This word, on my opinion, is a connection of the Greek preposition You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. and the Hebrew root "cheton" (linen), which means "instead of linen" or "as a substitute for linen cloth". Perhaps, it implies rather asbestine (linen) cloth, then flax or asbestos itself. Supposedly, it has more connections with Hebrew or near-Hebrew sources.
Conclusions:
1) Anchiton can be a shortened version of the word antichiton, which can mean a substance, similar to / replacing linen cloth ("anti cheton"). It seems that it has very ancient roots