The determination of an average value for the surface energy of talc (gamma(S)) via solid-water interfacial interactions is described. It is based on a formula obtained by the combination of the Young equation with a general equation of pair interaction. Important features of the method are (a) the use of the Young equation to determine the range where the value of the surface energy lies and (b) the determination of the mean value within this range using a probability function. The value found is 217.31 mj m(-2) in the range 193.36-257.43 mJ m(-2). (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.