Know all about Gneiss and Shonkinite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Shonkinite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy whereas that of Shonkinite is Earthy. Gneiss appears Foliated and Shonkinite appears Banded and Foilated. The luster of Gneiss is dull while that of Shonkinite is subvitreous to dull. Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors whereas Shonkinite is available in brown, buff, cream, green, grey, pink, white colors. The commercial uses of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums and that of Shonkinite are cemetery markers, creating artwork.