<p>Steatite (a.k.a. soapstone) from the Cretaceous of Oregon, USA. (5 cm across at its widest)
</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.
</p><p>The sample shown above is commercial-grade steatite, apparently derived from Elliott Creek Ridge in Oregon, USA.  Steatite in that part of Oregon has a metamorphic date of 141 Ma (early Early Cretaceous).  These rocks formed by the metamorphic alteration of serpentinites (which are metamorphosed peridotites).
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Locality: Steatite of Southern Oregon commercial quarry, apparently located near the crest of Elliott Creek Ridge (sections 9-10-11, T41S, R3W, Squaw Lakes 7.5' USGS topographic quadrangle), far-southwestern Jackson County, southwestern Oregon, USA (apparently at about 42° 00” 57” North latitude, 123° 02’ 11” West longitude)
<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/16712622489/">Steatite (soapstone) (Early Cretaceous; quarry apparently on Elliott Creek Ridge, Oregon, USA)</a>