Know all about Oil shale and Shonkinite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Oil shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Shonkinite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Oil shale is Splintery whereas that of Shonkinite is Earthy. Oil shale appears Muddy and Shonkinite appears Banded and Foilated. The luster of Oil shale is dull while that of Shonkinite is subvitreous to dull. Oil shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Shonkinite is available in brown, buff, cream, green, grey, pink, white colors. The commercial uses of Oil shale are an oil and gas reservoir and that of Shonkinite are cemetery markers, creating artwork.