Know all about Diatomite and Hornfels properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Diatomite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Hornfels belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Diatomite is Clastic or Non-Clastic whereas that of Hornfels is Granular, Platy. Diatomite appears Soft and Hornfels appears Dull. The luster of Diatomite is dull while that of Hornfels is shiny. Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors whereas Hornfels is available in brown, dark greenish - grey, green, reddish brown 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 Hornfels are cemetery markers, commemorative tablets, creating artwork.