Know all about Shale and Obsidian properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Obsidian belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Obsidian is Glassy. Shale appears Muddy and Obsidian appears Shiny. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Obsidian is vitreous. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Obsidian is available in black, blue, brown, green, orange, red, tan, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Obsidian are creating artwork, mirror, used in aquariums.