What is asbestos primarily known for?

Asbestos is primarily known for its heat resistance and strength, making it a sought-after material in various industries, especially in construction and manufacturing. The mineral fibers have remarkable thermal insulation properties, allowing them to withstand high temperatures without melting or degrading. This resistance to heat, combined with their tensile strength, enabled asbestos to be used in products such as insulation, fireproofing materials, and certain automotive components.

While flexibility and lightness may be characteristics of some materials, asbestos is primarily valued for its durability under extreme conditions. Similarly, although materials can absorb moisture, this trait is not what distinguishes asbestos in its applications. Lastly, electrical conductivity is a quality of other materials, but asbestos is not used for electrical purposes due to its insulating properties, which do not relate to conductivity. The key traits that define asbestos revolve around its ability to endure heat and its overall strength, reinforcing the significance of option B.