How to say "limestone" in Japanese

• 石灰岩せっかいがんCommon
  nounThe common word for limestone as a rock type, used in geology and in general talk about rock formations and scenery; when you simply mean the stone itself, this is the usual choice.
• 石灰石せっかいせき
  nounAlso means limestone but is the less common of the two; it often carries the nuance of limestone as a mineral resource or raw material, so for the rock itself 石灰岩 is usually the better choice.

Use 石灰岩, the common word, for limestone as a rock type; 石灰石 also means limestone but is less common and often carries the nuance of limestone as a mineral resource or raw material.

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

• 石灰岩せっかいがんlimestone
• 石灰石せっかいせきlimestone