Know all about Gneiss and Taconite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Taconite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy whereas that of Taconite is Banded, Trellis. Gneiss appears Foliated and Taconite appears Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny. The luster of Gneiss is dull while that of Taconite is earthy. Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors whereas Taconite is available in red, reddish brown colors. The commercial uses of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums and that of Taconite are as a touchstone, cemetery markers, creating artwork.