A color pattern that can be related to proximity to a ped surface or other organizational or compositional feature is not mottling. Mottle description follows the dominant color. Mottles are described by quantity, size, contrast, color, and other attributes in that order. The notations must clearly indicate to which colors the terms for quantity apply. By convention, the example is interpreted to mean that the quantity of the two colors together is between 2 and 20 percent.
Size refers to dimensions as seen on a plane surface.
If the length of a mottle is not more than two or three times the width, the dimension recorded is the greater of the two. If the mottle is long and narrow, as a band of color at the periphery of a ped, the dimension recorded is the smaller of the two and the shape and location are also described. Faint mottles commonly have the same hue as the color to which they are compared and differ by no more than 1 unit of chroma or 2 units of value. Contrast strongly with the color to which they are compared. Prominent mottles are commonly the most obvious color feature of the section described.