Know all about Shale and Phonolite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Shale belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Phonolite belongs to Igneous Rocks.Texture of Shale is Clastic, Splintery whereas that of Phonolite is Granular. Shale appears Muddy and Phonolite appears Banded and Foilated. The luster of Shale is dull while that of Phonolite is greasy to dull. Shale is available in black, brown, buff, green, grey, red, yellow colors whereas Phonolite is available in brown, buff, cream, green, grey, pink, white colors. The commercial uses of Shale are creating artwork, pottery and that of Phonolite are cemetery markers, creating artwork.