Know all about Shale and Arkose properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale and Arkose belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Arkose is Clastic. Shale appears Muddy and Arkose appears Rough and Dull. The luster of Shale and Arkose is dull. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Arkose is available in reddish brown colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Arkose are in aquifers, soil conditioner, source of magnesia (mgo), tombstones.