Know all about Taconite and Gneiss properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Taconite belongs to Sedimentary Rocks while Gneiss belongs to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Taconite is Banded, Trellis whereas that of Gneiss is Banded, Foliated, Platy. Taconite appears Layered, Banded, Veined and Shiny and Gneiss appears Foliated. The luster of Taconite is earthy while that of Gneiss is dull. Taconite is available in red, reddish brown colors whereas Gneiss is available in black, brown, pink, red, white colors. The commercial uses of Taconite are as a touchstone, cemetery markers, creating artwork and that of Gneiss are cemetery markers, jewelry, tombstones, used in aquariums.