Know all about Banded iron formation and Soapstone properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Banded iron formation belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Soapstone belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Banded iron formation is Banded, Trellis whereas that of Soapstone is Polished. Banded iron formation appears Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny and Soapstone appears Dull, Banded and Foilated. The luster of Banded iron formation is earthy while that of Soapstone is greasy. Banded iron formation is available in red, reddish brown colors whereas Soapstone is available in black, black to grey, green, grey colors. The commercial uses of Banded iron formation are as a touchstone, cemetery markers, creating artwork and that of Soapstone are cemetery markers, creating artwork, gemstone, jewelry, manufacture of soap, solvents, dyes, plastics and fibres, production of lime, source of magnesia (mgo).