So I took a trip over to the stone yard to finalize my soapstone plans this past weekend and walked out empty-handed.
They accidentally got some slate mixed in with a shipment of soapstone from India and are selling it for 50% off. Being soapstone experts, not slate, they weren’t able to tell me much about it except it’s incredibly hard (harder than granite).
It does have a completely different texture than soapstone. The slate felt hard and smooth, like granite. It didn’t mark when scratched at. Soapstone, to me, almost feels leathery (which I really like).
I’m still researching, as there seems to be a lot of misinformation out there. But am curious – do any of you have slab slate countertops? What do you think about it?
For those curious about slate counters, I found this post is helpful.
brickcitylove.com 
Ooo… this is a toughie. I know nothing and am no help, but I’ve always loved soapstone. Can’t wait to see what you decide.
I had thought about a lot of different counter top materials when we were doing our kitchen. I love soapstone and then considered quartz, but ultimately selected granite based on a suggestion by our countertop fabricator.
Slate was never even something I thought about, although after reading the link you referenced above, I really like the sound of it.
We chose a black granite heavily streaked with white called Via Lactea or Milky Way. It’s been one of our favorite home improvement choices and we get lots of compliments on it.
I was particularly impressed with our fabricator – because even though he mentioned there was a possibility that he might need to have a joint or two in our longest run [an L-shaped piece containing a cut-out for our 42 inch triple bowl sink] – he was able to cut that particular piece out of one slab!
Can’t wait to see what you select. I’m sure it will be beautiful.
Cheers!
The slate and the soapstone look beautiful….is it a stoneyard in Newark that you went to?