Know all about Gneiss and Variolite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Variolite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy whereas that of Variolite is Glassy, Massive, Porphyritic, Scoriaceous, Vesicular. Gneiss appears Foliated and Variolite appears Dull and Soft. The luster of Gneiss is dull while that of Variolite is not available. Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors whereas Variolite is available in black, brown, light to dark grey colors. The commercial uses of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums and that of Variolite are cemetery markers, creating artwork.