An asbestos body is characterized by an asbestos fiber coated with an iron-containing proteinaceous material, primarily hemosiderin and ferritin. This coating forms as a biological response to the inhaled asbestos fibers, making them visible under light microscopy as golden-brown, beaded rods. The iron coat acts as a marker of asbestos exposure and helps distinguish asbestos bodies from other particulate matter in lung tissue. Recognition of these bodies is crucial in diagnosing asbestos-related lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. This feature differentiates it from other cellular or granulomatous components in the lung.

Reference: Robbins Basic Pathology, Kumar, Abbas, Aster, 11th Edition.