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