Know all about Shale and Basanite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Basanite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Basanite is Aphanitic to Porphyritic. Shale appears Muddy and Basanite appears Glassy or Pearly. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Basanite is waxy and dull. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Basanite is available in black, brown, green, grey, red, white colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Basanite are as a touchstone, creating artwork, gemstone, in fire-starting tools, manufacture of tools, metallurgical flux, jewelry, to ignite fire, used in flintlock firearms.