Know all about Shale and Lignite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale and Lignite belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Lignite is Amorphous, Glassy. Shale appears Muddy and Lignite appears Veined or Pebbled. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Lignite is dull to vitreous to submetallic. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Lignite 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 Lignite are electricity generation.