Know all about Basanite and Gneiss properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Basanite belongs to Igneous Rocks while Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Basanite is Aphanitic to Porphyritic whereas that of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy. Basanite appears Glassy or Pearly and Gneiss appears Foliated. The luster of Basanite is waxy and dull while that of Gneiss is dull. Basanite is available in black, brown, green, grey, red, white colors whereas Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors. The commercial uses of Basanite are as a touchstone, creating artwork, gemstone, in fire-starting tools, manufacture of tools, metallurgical flux, jewelry, to ignite fire, used in flintlock firearms and that of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums.