The dissolution characteristics of limestones from six sources in Taiwan have been studied by using the pH-stat method in a stirred tank at 60 degreesC, pH values of 4 and 6, stirrer speeds of 500-1000 rpm, and a particle size of 75-125 mum aperture width. The dissolution rates of the limestones were found to be controlled by the mass transfer of hydrogen ions with chemical reactions in the liquid film surrounding the limestone particle. The measured value of mass transfer coefficient increases with an increasing pH value and stirrer speed and remains constant with particle size. For the six limestones at the same particle size, the measured dissolution rates per unit area are the same due to the mass-transfer control kinetics; however, the time taken to reach a certain fraction of dissolution is proportional to the molar concentration of the soluble species in the limestone and the initial particle size.