Know all about Diatomite and Gneiss properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Diatomite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Diatomite is Clastic or Non-Clastic whereas that of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy. Diatomite appears Soft and Gneiss appears Foliated. The luster of Diatomite and Gneiss is dull. Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors whereas Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors. The commercial uses 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 and that of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums.