A simple, rapid method is described for the determination of specific heat capacity on rock fragments, or cuttings, i.e. the most common material coming from drillings. The equipment has been constructed, calibrated and tested. Comparison measurements performed by "classical", more time-consuming methods yield results generally within +/-3-5%. Experience with measurements on more than 200 samples confirms the simplicity and practicality of the method. The influence of water content on the specific heat capacity (increase with increasing temperature in the range from room temperature to 200 degreesC) depends, besides on porosity, on lithology. (C) 2001 CNR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.