Know all about Laterite and Oil shale properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Laterite and Oil shale belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Laterite is Earthy, Massive, Porphyritic whereas that of Oil shale is Splintery. Laterite appears Rough and Banded and Oil shale appears Muddy. The luster of Laterite and Oil shale is dull. Laterite is available in brown, buff, red colors whereas Oil shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Laterite and Oil shale are an oil and gas reservoir, source of bauxite, used in aquariums.