Know all about Gneiss and Laterite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Laterite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy whereas that of Laterite is Earthy, Massive, Porphyritic. Gneiss appears Foliated and Laterite appears Rough and Banded. The luster of Gneiss and Laterite is dull. Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors whereas Laterite is available in brown, buff, red colors. The commercial uses of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums and that of Laterite are an oil and gas reservoir, source of bauxite, used in aquariums.