Know all about Basalt and Banded iron formation properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks while Banded iron formation belongs to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Basalt is Glassy, Massive, Porphyritic, Scoriaceous, Vesicular whereas that of Banded iron formation is Banded, Trellis. Basalt appears Dull and Soft and Banded iron formation appears Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny. The luster of Basalt is not available while that of Banded iron formation is earthy. Basalt is available in black, brown, light to dark grey colors whereas Banded iron formation is available in red, reddish brown colors. The commercial uses of Basalt are an oil and gas reservoir, commemorative tablets, creating artwork, used in aquariums and that of Banded iron formation are as a touchstone, cemetery markers, creating artwork.