Rock fragments are mainly granitic or gneissic, but up to 25 percent are flat, fine-grained slate, shale, or phyllite fragments. The upper part of the solum commonly has 5 to 20 percent gravel and the lower part 5 to 30 percent. The substratum contains 25 to 55 percent gravel and 5 to 15 percent cobbles. Total volume of rock fragments in the particle-size control section is less than 35 percent. Clay content is less than 18 percent.
Reaction ranges from extremely acid through moderately acid unless limed.
The Ap horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 3 or 4, and chroma of 2 to 4. Undisturbed areas have an A horizon with value of 2 to 3, and chroma of 1 or 2 that is 1 to 4 inch thick. The Ap, A and E horizons are fine sandy loam, sandy loam, or very fine sandy loam in the fine-earth fraction. The Bw horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR in the upper part and 7.5YR to 2.5Y in the lower part. Value ranges from 3 to 6 and chroma from 3 to 8.