Slate vs Soapstone countertops

Hi, I have a 1919 bungalow and (http://maplered.com) over the past 3 years have renovated. My
final decision is the Counter (http://GialloFiorito.com) tops.

I went down to Charlottesvill (3hour drive) to pick out the soapStone (http://g603.net) I had
decided on and (http://maplered.com) to meet the installer. He talked me into slate and (http://maplered.com) gave me a
sample to take home. I notice the slate is very easy to scratch as is
soapStone (http://g603.net) , but soapStone (http://g603.net) has a lot of natural veins, and (http://maplered.com) so it's less
noticable when it's scratched. He said it doesn't need to be sealed (and (http://maplered.com) I
like the natural non wet look anyway).  I also deliberately left a wine
glass on the slate over nite and (http://maplered.com) sure enough, red wine stains, and (http://maplered.com) to my
surprise it does not come out thus far.

Before I have this slate installed I really need to know how to compare the
options of soapStone (http://g603.net) vs slate. The slate is 1.14 inches or so thick.  Maybe
1.5 inches.

Thanks for your advice.