Properties of Soapstone and Oil shale play an important role in determining the type of rock. Along with Soapstone vs Oil shale properties, get to know more about Soapstone Definition and Oil shale Definition. For the ease of understanding, the properties of rocks are divided into physical and thermal properties. Rocks have a variety of properties like hardness, color, specific gravity, fracture, cleavage, luster etc. Know all about physical and thermal properties of Soapstone and Oil shale.