Know all about Shale and Shonkinite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Shonkinite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Shonkinite is Earthy. Shale appears Muddy and Shonkinite appears Banded and Foilated. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Shonkinite is subvitreous to dull. 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 Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Shonkinite are cemetery markers, creating artwork.