How to say "crystal" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

クリスタルCommon
nounThe loanword, used for crystal as a material — chiefly crystal glass and decorative items such as glassware and ornaments — rather than for crystals in scientific contexts.
結晶けっしょうJLPT N1approx.Common
noun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe scientific term: a crystal as a solid with an ordered internal structure, and crystallization, the process of forming one; also used figuratively for something that embodies effort or feeling.
彼かれは海水かいすいから塩しおを結晶けっしょうさせて取り出とりだした。↗
He crystallized salt from seawater.
鉱石こうせきCommon
nounMeans ore or mineral, rock from which metals are obtained. For 'crystal' it is a marginal match and seldom the word you want; use it when you really mean ore.

Use 「クリスタル」 for crystal as a material or decorative glass, 結晶 for the scientific sense and for crystallization, and avoid 鉱石 for 'crystal', since it really means ore or mineral.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

クリスタルcrystal
結晶けっしょうcrystal
鉱石こうせきore
玉瑛ぎょくえいcrystal
水晶すいしょう(rock) crystal
風防ふうぼうcrystal (glass or plastic cover over a watch face)

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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