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