What is the counter made of? If the installer cannot repair the scratch to look like rest of the counter, have them take it out and put in a new counter that is not scratched and looks the same. Counter tops cost too much to settle for a flawed one from day one.

I agree with rookie - I have a leathered Marron Cohiba with these crazy white veins that looks a lot like oiledsoapstone from a little distance, but up close has much more granite character. It is not perfectly matte - it does have some sheen to it, but definitely not glossy. I love it. Super easy maintenance, doesn't show every fingerprint or smudge and totally gorgeous. One thing I wasn't sure about was if the texture was going to be too much for rolling cookies or pastry, but I have rolled fondant and pie crust right on the counter and it did great. I say find antiqued/leathered slabs you love and go for it.

Oh, don't even get me started! ;) I haven't seen a sueded sample, but our fabricator showed us what honed would be like: they take a polished piece and basically 'rough' up the surface so it's no longer glass-smooth -- leaves a matte finish, but still pretty 'flat' to the eye. The amount of leathering/texture our guy gave us as a sample is 3/4 way from honed to leathered. So, more nubby to the eye, but still buttery soft to the touch (ooh-la-la!). I was very concerned about gunk and flour getting caught in the grooves/divets, but it wasn't the case at all. I've read in the past that leathered granite absorbs oils from fingertips, but that may be because the granite wasn't sealed. Our fab sent us home with a sealed piece, which I dabbed cooking oil onto and let sit for a few hours. Wiped it clean -- no absorption (dark spot) whatsoever. If you can, find a fabricator who at least has various samples of the different textures available in his showroom. Pictured below (top to bottom) honed (unsealed), polished, leathered w/o sealant, leathered + sealant.

Thanks! Virginia mist is almost double the price per square foot so it is a pretty big difference. However I am trying not to have a granite "look" and more of a soapstone or quartz look without the price. I like the horizontal movement of the Virginia Mist but can't seem to find another granite like that that is less in price.