Know all about Gneiss and Essexite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Essexite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy whereas that of Essexite is Granular. Gneiss appears Foliated and Essexite appears Banded. The luster of Gneiss is dull while that of Essexite is not available. Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors whereas Essexite is available in dark grey to black colors. The commercial uses of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums and that of Essexite are cemetery markers, commemorative tablets, jewelry, sea defence, tombstones.