Know all about Oil shale and Banded iron formation properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Oil shale and Banded iron formation belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Oil shale is Splintery whereas that of Banded iron formation is Banded, Trellis. Oil shale appears Muddy and Banded iron formation appears Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny. The luster of Oil shale is dull while that of Banded iron formation is earthy. Oil shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Banded iron formation is available in red, reddish brown colors. The commercial uses of Oil shale are an oil and gas reservoir and that of Banded iron formation are as a touchstone, cemetery markers, creating artwork.