Sweet gums are so called because they exude a fragrant yellow resinous gum.. The tree is known by a wide variety of names, among them alligator-tree and alligator wood (probably a reference to the warty knobs on the tree's bark), incense tree and liquidambar.
What is asbestos? Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these properties, asbestos has been used in commercial products such as insulation and fireproofing materials, automotive brakes, and wallboard materials.
In its natural state, asbestos is commonly a white, brown, or blue fibrous mineral that has many practical applications, but is also a potent and deadly carcinogen. There are six different varieties of asbestos, but the three most common are: 1  Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, originates in Canada.2  Amosite, is called brown asbestos, is an âamphiboleâ from Africa. 3  Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, is an amphibole rock found in Africa and Australia. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, originates in Canada. 2  It is from a âserpentineâ rock, which means its fibers are curled and less sharp, pose fewer threats than other types of asbestos and is the type most often used industrially.