Know all about Shale and Oil shale properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale and Oil shale belong to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Oil shale is Splintery. Shale appears Muddy and Oil shale appears Muddy. The luster of Shale and Oil shale is dull. Shale and Oil shale are available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Oil shale are an oil and gas reservoir.