Why did asphalt tile get its name?

Asphalt tile gets its name because it is manufactured using an asphaltic binder as one of its primary ingredients.12

Specifically, these tiles are composed of a mixture that includes asphalts (or synthetic resins), asbestos fibers, pigments, and mineral fillers. When an asphaltic binder is used in the manufacturing process, the resulting tiles are typically restricted to darker colors, such as black, brown, and dark reds. Developed as a durable floor covering for damp and alkaline conditions, the material is created by mixing these ingredients at high temperatures to form a dough, which is then processed through calenders to achieve the desired thickness and finish.12