Know all about Soapstone and Diatomite properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Soapstone belongs to Metamorphic Rocks while Diatomite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks.Texture of Soapstone is Polished whereas that of Diatomite is Clastic or Non-Clastic. Soapstone appears Dull, Banded and Foilated and Diatomite appears Soft. The luster of Soapstone is greasy while that of Diatomite is dull. Soapstone is available in black, black to grey, green, grey colors whereas Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors. The commercial uses of Soapstone are cemetery markers, creating artwork, gemstone, jewelry, manufacture of soap, solvents, dyes, plastics and fibres, production of lime, source of magnesia (mgo) and that of Diatomite are alumina refineries, animal feed filler, as a feed additive for livestock, creating artwork, drawing on blackboards, fire resistant, gymnasts, athletes and mountain climbers use for grip, in aquifers, soil conditioner, to ignite fire, used as a filter medium, used as an insecticide, whiting material in toothpaste, paint and paper.