  We introduce a classification of mixed three-qubit states, in which we define
the classes of separable, biseparable, W- and GHZ-states. These classes are
successively embedded into each other. We show that contrary to pure W-type
states, the mixed W-class is not of measure zero. We construct witness
operators that detect the class of a mixed state. We discuss the conjecture
that all entangled states with positive partial transpose (PPTES) belong to the
W-class. Finally, we present a new family of PPTES "edge" states with maximal
ranks.
