Know all about Basalt and Diatomite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Basalt belongs to Igneous Rocks while Diatomite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Basalt is Glassy, Massive, Porphyritic, Scoriaceous, Vesicular whereas that of Diatomite is Clastic or Non-Clastic. Basalt appears Dull and Soft and Diatomite appears Soft. The luster of Basalt is not available while that of Diatomite is dull. Basalt is available in black, brown, light to dark grey colors whereas Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Basalt are an oil and gas reservoir, commemorative tablets, creating artwork, used in aquariums and that of Diatomite are alumina refineries, animal feed filler, as a feed additive for livestock, creating artwork, drawing on blackboards, fire resistant, gymnasts, athletes and mountain climbers use for grip, in aquifers, soil conditioner, to ignite fire, used as a filter medium, used as an insecticide, whiting material in toothpaste, paint and paper.