<p>Soapstone from New Hampshire, USA. (public display, Geology Department, Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, USA)
</p><p>Metamorphic rocks result from intense alteration of any previously existing rocks by heat and/or pressure and/or chemical change.  This can happen as a result of regional metamorphism (large-scale tectonic events, such as continental collision or subduction), burial metamorphism (super-deep burial), contact metamorphism (by the heat &amp; chemicals from nearby magma or lava), hydrothermal metamorphism (by superheated groundwater), shear metamorphism (in or near a fault zone), or shock metamorphism (by an impact event).  Other categories include thermal metamorphism, kinetic metamorphism, and nuclear metamorphism.  Many metamorphic rocks have a foliated texture, but some are crystalline or glassy.
</p><p>Soapstones are crystalline-textured, talc-rich metamorphic rocks.  Essentially pure talcose soapstone is called steatite, whereas "soapstone" refers to impure varieties.  “Soapstone” and “steatite” are sometimes considered synonyms.  Being composed of talc (magnesium hydroxy-silicate - Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), steatite and soapstone have a soapy feel and are very soft - they are easily scratched.
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Locality: old quarry near Francestown, northwestern Hillsborough County, southern New Hampshire, USA
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/47445767@N05">James St. John</a>
CC BY 2.0
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/27073018457/">Soapstone (quarry near Francestown, New Hampshire, USA) 2</a>