Know all about Phyllite and Gneiss properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Phyllite and Gneiss belong to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Phyllite is Phyllitic Sheen, Slaty whereas that of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy. Phyllite appears Crinkled or Wavy and Gneiss appears Foliated. The luster of Phyllite is phyllitic while that of Gneiss is dull. Phyllite is available in black to grey, light greenish grey colors whereas Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors. The commercial uses of Phyllite are cemetery markers, commemorative tablets, creating artwork, writing slates and that of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums.