'amosite' originates from 'Amosa,' an acronym for 'Asbestos Mines of South Africa,' where the mineral was first mined.

'amosite' was derived from the acronym 'Amosa' and eventually became the modern English word 'amosite.'

Initially, it referred specifically to the asbestos mined in South Africa, but over time it evolved to refer to the fibrous form of grunerite used in various applications.