Know all about Diatomite and Oil shale properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Diatomite and Oil shale belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Diatomite is Clastic or Non-Clastic whereas that of Oil shale is Splintery. Diatomite appears Soft and Oil shale appears Muddy. The luster of Diatomite and Oil shale is dull. Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors whereas Oil shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Diatomite are alumina refineries, animal feed filler, as a feed additive for livestock, creating artwork, drawing on blackboards, fire resistant, gymnasts, athletes and mountain climbers use for grip, in aquifers, soil conditioner, to ignite fire, used as a filter medium, used as an insecticide, whiting material in toothpaste, paint and paper and that of Oil shale are an oil and gas reservoir.