Know all about Shale and Anthracite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Anthracite belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Anthracite is Amorphous, Glassy. Shale appears Muddy and Anthracite appears Veined or Pebbled. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Anthracite is shiny. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Anthracite is available in black, brown, dark brown, grey, light to dark grey colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Anthracite are alumina refineries, electricity generation, liquid fuel, manufacture of soap, solvents, dyes, plastics and fibres, paper industry.