鉱石(こうせき)

こうせき
noun
ore; mineral ore
1. ore; mineral ore
Rock or mineral from which metal or valuable minerals can be extracted. A key term in mining and geology.
鉱石(こうせき)を採掘(さいくつ)する。
To mine ore.
この山(やま)からは鉄(てつ)の鉱石(こうせき)が取(と)れる。
Iron ore can be extracted from this mountain.
鉱石(こうせき)の輸入(ゆにゅう)に頼(たよ)っている国(くに)は多(おお)い。
Many countries depend on importing ore.
鉱石(こうせき)を精錬(せいれん)して金属(きんぞく)を取(と)り出(だ)す。
Metals are extracted by refining ore.

Compound of 鉱(こう) (mine/mineral) and 石(せき) (stone). A fundamental term in geology, mining, and industry. Japan historically imported most of its ore, making 鉱石(こうせき) a common word in discussions of trade and resources.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 鉄鉱石(てっこうせき): iron ore
  • 銅鉱石(どうこうせき): copper ore
  • 鉱石(こうせき)を採掘(さいくつ)する: to mine ore
  • 鉱石(こうせき)を精錬(せいれん)する: to refine ore
  • 鉱石(こうせき)ラジオ: crystal radio — a simple radio receiver using a crystal detector

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 鉱物(こうぶつ): mineral — a broader category; all ores are minerals but not all minerals are ores
  • 宝石(ほうせき): gemstone; jewel — a precious or decorative stone, different purpose than ore
  • 原石(げんせき): raw stone; uncut gem — an unprocessed stone, especially a gemstone before cutting
general
Added 2026.4.6 0:13 · Revised 2026.4.10 17:28
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