ASTM D1535-14
(Practice)Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
Standard Practice for Specifying Color by the Munsell System
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice is used by artists, designers, scientists, engineers, and government regulators, to specify an existing or desired color. It is used in the natural sciences to record the colors of specimens, or identify specimens, such as human complexion, flowers, foliage, soils, and minerals. It is used to specify colors for commerce and for control of color-production processes, when instrumental color measurement is not economical. The Munsell system is widely used for color tolerancing, even when instrumentation is employed (see Practice D3134). It is common practice to have color chips made to illustrate an aim color and the just tolerable deviations from that color in hue, value, and chroma, such a set of chips being called a Color Tolerance Set. A color tolerance set exhibits the aim color and color tolerances so that everyone involved in the selection, production, and acceptance of the color can directly perceive the intent of the specification, before bidding to supply the color or starting production. A color tolerance set may be measured to establish instrumental tolerances. Without extensive experience, it may be impossible to visualize the meaning of numbers resulting from color measurement, but by this practice, the numbers can be translated to the Munsell color-order system, which is exemplified by colored chips for visual examination. This color-order system is the basis of the ISCC-NBS Method of Designating Colors and a Dictionary of Color Names, as well as the Universal Color Language, which associates color names, in the English language, with Munsell notations (3).
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a means of specifying the colors of objects in terms of the Munsell color order system, a system based on the color-perception attributes hue, lightness, and chroma. The practice is limited to opaque objects, such as painted surfaces viewed in daylight by an observer having normal color vision. This practice provides a simple visual method as an alternative to the more precise and more complex method based on spectrophotometry and the CIE system (see Practices E308 and E1164). Provision is made for conversion of CIE data to Munsell notation.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D1535 − 14
Standard Practice for
Specifying Color by the Munsell System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1535; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.2.1 Munsell notation, n—(1) the Munsell hue, value, and
chroma assigned to the color of a specimen by visually
1.1 This practice provides a means of specifying the colors
comparing the specimen to the chips in the Munsell Book of
ofobjectsintermsoftheMunsellcolorordersystem,asystem
Color; (2) a notation in the Munsell color system, derived
based on the color-perception attributes hue, lightness, and
from luminous reflectance factor Y and chromaticity coordi-
chroma. The practice is limited to opaque objects, such as
nates x and y, in the CIE system for standard illuminant C,by
painted surfaces viewed in daylight by an observer having
the use of scales defined by the Optical Society of America
normal color vision. This practice provides a simple visual
Subcommittee on the Spacing of the Munsell Colors(1).
methodasanalternativetothemorepreciseandmorecomplex
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The Munsell notation is written as a
method based on spectrophotometry and the CIE system (see
combination of letters and numbers by which the color of an
Practices E308 and E1164). Provision is made for conversion
opaqueobjectmaybespecifiedwithrespecttoMunsellhue H,
of CIE data to Munsell notation.
Munsellvalue V,andMunsellchroma C,writtenintheform H
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
V/C.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.2 hue, n—the attribute of color perception by means of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
which a color is judged to be red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
purple, or intermediate between adjacent pairs of these, con-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sideredinaclosedring(redandpurplebeinganadjacentpair).
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.3 Munsell hue, n—an attribute of color used in the
Munsellcolorsystemtoindicatethehueofaspecimenviewed
2.1 ASTM Standards:
in daylight.
D1729Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Two systems of designating Munsell
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
hue are shown in Fig. 1, a letter-number system and an
D3134Practice for Establishing Color and GlossTolerances
all-number system. The two systems are equivalent, but the
E284Terminology of Appearance
letter-number system is preferred, because it requires no prior
E308PracticeforComputingtheColorsofObjectsbyUsing
knowledge or memory of the correspondence of numbers to
the CIE System
hues.The hue circle is graduated in steps judged visually to be
E1164PracticeforObtainingSpectrometricDataforObject-
approximately equal.
Color Evaluation
3.2.4 lightness, n—the attribute of color perception by
3. Terminology
which a non-self-luminous body is judged to reflect more or
less light.
3.1 Terms and definitions in Terminology E284 are appli-
cable to this practice.
3.2.5 Munsell value, n—an attribute of color used in the
Munsell color system to indicate the lightness of a specimen
3.2 Definitions:
viewed in daylight, on a scale extending from 0 for ideal black
to 10 for ideal white, in steps that are visually approximately
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E12 on Color and
equal in magnitude.
AppearanceandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeE12.07onColorOrder
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Achromatic or neutral colors are des-
Systems.
ignated N followed by the value notation, thus: N 5.61/.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014. Published November 2014. Originally
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D1535 – 13. DOI:
10.1520/D1535-14.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Munsell, 4300 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM www.munsell.com.
Standards volumeinformation,refertothestandard’sDocumentSummarypageon The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
the ASTM website. this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1535 − 14
FIG. 1 Designation Systems for Munsell Hue
3.2.6 chroma, n—the attribute of color used to indicate the with the observer’s perception of hue and the Munsell chroma
degree of departure of the color from a neutral color of the with the perception of chroma.
same lightness. 3.3.1.2 Discussion—(2) Although the original system pro-
posed by Munsell was a left-handed coordinate system, the
3.2.7 Munsell chroma, n—an attribute of color used in the
systemisoftenrepresentedasaright-handedsystembecauseit
Munsell color system to indicate the degree of departure of a
facilitates comparison to the CIE chromaticity diagram, taken
color from a gray of the same Munsell value, in steps that are
to be right-handed.
visually approximately equal in magnitude.
3.3.2 Munsell hue circle, n—a spatial representation of the
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Munsell hue sectors on a circle, where the angular spacing
3.3.1 Munsell surface-color perception solid, n—a spatial
represents a uniform scaling of hue; see Fig. 2.
representation of colors in the form of a cylindrical coordinate
system based on the three perceptual attributes: hue, lightness
4. Significance and Use
and chroma.
3.3.1.1 Discussion—(1) This solid (see Fig. 2(2)) forms the 4.1 This practice is used by artists, designers, scientists,
basis of the Munsell notation in which Munsell hue corre- engineers,andgovernmentregulators,tospecifyanexistingor
sponds to hue, Munsell value corresponds to lightness, and desired color. It is used in the natural sciences to record the
Munsell chroma corresponds to chroma. The central, vertical colors of specimens, or identify specimens, such as human
axisdimensionrepresentsneutralcolors,rangingfromblackat complexion, flowers, foliage, soils, and minerals. It is used to
the bottom, through a gradation of grays, to white at the top. specify colors for commerce and for control of color-
The lightness of a color perceived as chromatic (not gray) is productionprocesses,wheninstrumentalcolormeasurementis
represented by the distance above the base plane. Hue is not economical. The Munsell system is widely used for color
represented by the angular position about this axis (see tolerancing, even when instrumentation is employed (see
Discussion (2)). Chroma is represented by the perpendicular Practice D3134). It is common practice to have color chips
distancefromthecentralaxis.Iftheobserverhasnormalcolor madetoillustrateanaimcolorandthejusttolerabledeviations
vision, is adapted to daylight, and views the specimen illumi- from that color in hue, value, and chroma, such a set of chips
natedbyCIEsource Cor D65,againstamediumgraytowhite being called a Color Tolerance Set. A color tolerance set
background, the Munsell value of the specimen correlates well exhibits the aim color and color tolerances so that everyone
with the observer’s perception of the lightness of the color. involved in the selection, production, and acceptance of the
Under the same conditions, the Munsell hue correlates well color can directly perceive the intent of the specification,
D1535 − 14
FIG. 2 Dimensions of the Surface-Color-Perception Solid
before bidding to supply the color or starting production. A 7.1.3 If the lighting equipment described in Practice D1729
color tolerance set may be measured to establish instrumental isnotavailable,naturaldaylightcanbeusedtoobtainnotations
tolerances.Withoutextensiveexperience,itmaybeimpossible having accuracy adequate for many purposes.
to visualize the meaning of numbers resulting from color
7.2 Procedure:
measurement, but by this practice, the numbers can be trans-
7.2.1 When using daylight illuminating equipment, follow
lated to the Munsell color-order system, which is exemplified
the lighting and viewing recommendations of Practice D1729.
by colored chips for visual examination. This color-order
7.2.2 When determining the Munsell notation with natural
system is the basis of the ISCC-NBS Method of Designating
daylight,selectawindowthroughwhichthesunisnotshining.
Colors and a Dictionary of Color Names, as well as the
A north window is usually used in the northern hemisphere,
Universal Color Language, which associates color names, in
andasouthwindowisusuallyusedinthesouthernhemisphere.
the English language, with Munsell notations (3).
Place a working surface at the window so the light reaches the
5. Apparatus
surface from the observer’s side, chiefly from the sky, and at
anglescenteringon45°abovethehorizontal.Placeacanopyof
5.1 Munsell Book of Color, matte or glossy edition.
black cloth above the working surface to prevent errors caused
5.2 Gray Masks, with rectangular openings the size of the
by the ceiling or other objects being reflected from the surface
chips in the Munsell Book of Color.
of the specimens, or by light other than daylight falling on the
5.3 Daylight Illuminating Equipment, as described in Prac- work surface. Place the specimen on a neutral medium gray to
tice D1729.
white background, where it is uniformly illuminated by day-
light.Viewthespecimenalongadirectionjustfarenoughfrom
6. Preparation of Test Specimens
the normal to avoid reflection of your forehead.Although 45°
illumination and perpendicular viewing are recommended by
6.1 This practice does not cover the preparation of test
the CIE, converse conditions are equivalent if a black matte
specimens. If preparation is necessary, see other ASTM stan-
surfaceisplacedoppositetheobservertominimizetheamount
dards covering the appropriate materials or agree among
of light reflected from the specimen surface.
interested parties on what the procedure shall be.
7.2.3 If both matte and glossy editions of the Munsell Book
7. Munsell Notation by Visual Means
of Color are available, use the one having gloss most like the
7.1 Lighting and Viewing Conditions: specimen. Select the two adjacent Munsell constant-hue charts
7.1.1 Specimens must be examined by an observer with orchipsbetweenwhichthehueofthespecimenlies.Placeone
normal color vision. on each side of the specimen. Cover the specimen and charts
7.1.2 For critical applications, use daylight illuminating with the gray masks so the specimen and one chip from each
equipment as described in Practice D1729. chartcanbeseen.Movethemasksfromchiptochiptofindthe
D1535 − 14
chips most like the specimen.The glossy chips are removable. value levels above and below the value found and linearly
Removethemandplaceimmediatelyadjacenttothespecimen. interpolate the hues and chromas for the desired value level (if
Estimate,inthefollowingorder,thevalue,thechroma,andthe thosehuesandchromasarewelldefined).Iftherequiredvalue
hue, by interpolation or extrapolation of the notations on the level differs from the nearest level by 0.05 or less, simply use
chips, as described in 7.2.3.1 to 7.2.3.3. Interchange the thehueandchromaforthenearestlevel.Ifthehueandchroma
positions of the charts, repeat the estimations, and average the are ill-defined for the requisite value levels, then do not try to
results. estimate them.
NOTE4—Thehueandchromaareill-definedif,attheuppervaluelevel,
7.2.3.1 Value—Find the chips between which the value of
the chromaticity (x, y) lies (a) outside the MacAdam limit; or (b) within
the specimen lies. Estimate the value of the specimen to the
a chroma-hue sector that is incomplete because it is cut off by the
nearest tenth of the one-value-step interval between adjacent
MacAdam limit.
value levels and record it, for example, 4.2.
8.3 Munsell Notation of Dark Colors—If the Munsell value
7.2.3.2 Chroma—Move the masks to present successive
islessthan1.0,usetheextensionoftheMunsellsystemtovery
colors of the same chroma and, by interpolation or
dark colors (4). Table 3 contains the numerical data from Ref
extrapolation, determine the Munsell chroma. Pay chief atten-
(4) for 40 hues at values 0.8/, 0.6/, 0.4/, and 0.2/ and chromas
tion to the Munsell chips having values nearest that of the
up to the theoretical pigment limits.
specimen and secondary attention to those next nearest. Al-
though all Munsell chips of the same Munsell chroma are
NOTE 5—The luminous reflectance in the original reference (4) was
measuredrelativetoMagnesiumOxide.TheluminousreflectanceinTable
intended to appear to have the same perceptual chroma, a
3 was changed so that it is relative to the perfect reflecting diffuser.
slightly different estimate of chroma may be obtained by
comparison with the chips of the next value. In such cases, 8.4 Munsell Notation of Light Colors—IftheMunsellvalue,
average the estimated Munsell chromas. Note that there are V, of the target color is greater than 9, use Fig. 15 and Fig. 16
usuallytwochromastepsbetweenadjacentcolumnsofachart. to estimate the hue and chroma at value 9, and adopt these
Estimate chroma to the nearest fifth of the 2-chroma interval respective values as the hue and chroma of the target color.
and record it, for example, 6.4. This is done because there are no Munsell data on hue or
7.2.3.3 Hue—Estimate the hue of the specimen by interpo- chroma for values greater than 9, and because the hue and
lation between the chips of the nearest Munsell value and chroma values for a given chromaticity (x,y) do not change
chroma in the selected hue charts. Estimate to the nearest fifth much between values 8 and 9, so they are extrapolated so as
of the 2.5-hue steps between adjacent hue charts and record it, not to change between values 9 and 10.
forexample,4.5R.(Thetenthstepofonehuesectoristhezero
8.5 Table 1 was derived from the following relationships
of the next. The 10 is used; the zero is not.) If the value and
(5):
chroma of the specimen do not correspond closely to those of
W
For Y#0.9:V 5 UY (1)
any chip, repeat the interpolation of hue with the next closest
pair of chips and record the average or estimate the hue as
1/3 2
For Y.0.9:V 5 AY 2 B 2 C/ DY 2 E 1F
@~ ! #
being closer to that of one or the other of the selected pairs of
H 1/3
chips.
1G/Y 1Jsin~KY 11!
7.2.3.4 TheMunsellnotationfo
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D1535 − 13 D1535 − 14
Standard Practice for
Specifying Color by the Munsell System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1535; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice provides a means of specifying the colors of objects in terms of the Munsell color order system, a system based
on the color-perception attributes hue, lightness, and chroma. The practice is limited to opaque objects, such as painted surfaces
viewed in daylight by an observer having normal color vision. This practice provides a simple visual method as an alternative to
the more precise and more complex method based on spectrophotometry and the CIE system (see Practices E308 and E1164).
Provision is made for conversion of CIE data to Munsell notation.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
D3134 Practice for Establishing Color and Gloss Tolerances
E284 Terminology of Appearance
E308 Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by Using the CIE System
E1164 Practice for Obtaining Spectrometric Data for Object-Color Evaluation
3. Terminology
3.1 Terms and definitions in Terminology E284 are applicable to this practice.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 Munsell notation, n—(1) the Munsell hue, value, and chroma assigned to the color of a specimen by visually comparing
the specimen to the chips in the Munsell Book of Color; (2) a notation in the Munsell color system, derived from luminous
reflectance factor Y and chromaticity coordinates x and y, in the CIE system for standard illuminant C, by the use of scales defined
by the Optical Society of America Subcommittee on the Spacing of the Munsell Colors(1).
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E12 on Color and Appearance and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E12.07 on Color Order
Systems.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013Nov. 1, 2014. Published April 2013November 2014. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 20122013 as
D1535 – 12a.13. DOI: 10.1520/D1535-13.10.1520/D1535-14.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Munsell, 4300 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, www.munsell.com.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
The Munsell notation is written as a combination of letters and numbers by which the color of an opaque object may be specified
with respect to Munsell hue H, Munsell value V, and Munsell chroma C, written in the form H V/C.
3.2.2 hue, n—the attribute of color perception by means of which a color is judged to be red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple,
or intermediate between adjacent pairs of these, considered in a closed ring (red and purple being an adjacent pair).
3.2.3 Munsell hue, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell color system to indicate the hue of a specimen viewed in
daylight.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1535 − 14
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Two systems of designating Munsell hue are shown in Fig. 1, a letter-number system and an all-number system. The two systems
are equivalent, but the letter-number system is preferred, because it requires no prior knowledge or memory of the correspondence
of numbers to hues. The hue circle is graduated in steps judged visually to be approximately equal.
3.2.4 lightness, n—the attribute of color perception by which a non-self-luminous body is judged to reflect more or less light.
3.2.5 Munsell value, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell color system to indicate the lightness of a specimen viewed
in daylight, on a scale extending from 0 for ideal black to 10 for ideal white, in steps that are visually approximately equal in
magnitude.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Achromatic or neutral colors are designated N followed by the value notation, thus: N 5.61/.
3.2.6 chroma, n—the attribute of color used to indicate the degree of departure of the color from a neutral color of the same
lightness.
3.2.7 Munsell chroma, n—an attribute of color used in the Munsell color system to indicate the degree of departure of a color
from a gray of the same Munsell value, in steps that are visually approximately equal in magnitude.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 Munsell surface-color perception solid, n—a spatial representation of colors in the form of a cylindrical coordinate system
based on the three perceptual attributes: hue, lightness and chroma.
3.3.1.1 Discussion—
(1) This solid (see Fig. 2(2)) forms the basis of the Munsell notation in which Munsell hue corresponds to hue, Munsell value
corresponds to lightness, and Munsell chroma corresponds to chroma. The central, vertical axis dimension represents neutral
colors, ranging from black at the bottom, through a gradation of grays, to white at the top. The lightness of a color perceived as
chromatic (not gray) is represented by the distance above the base plane. Hue is represented by the angular position about this axis
(see Discussion (2)). Chroma is represented by the perpendicular distance from the central axis. If the observer has normal color
FIG. 1 Designation Systems for Munsell Hue
D1535 − 14
FIG. 2 Dimensions of the Surface-Color-Perception Solid
vision, is adapted to daylight, and views the specimen illuminated by CIE source C or D65, against a medium gray to white
background, the Munsell value of the specimen correlates well with the observer’s perception of the lightness of the color. Under
the same conditions, the Munsell hue correlates well with the observer’s perception of hue and the Munsell chroma with the
perception of chroma.
3.3.1.2 Discussion—
(2) Although the original system proposed by Munsell was a left-handed coordinate system, the system is often represented as a
right-handed system because it facilitates comparison to the CIE chromaticity diagram, taken to be right-handed.
3.3.2 Munsell hue circle, n—a spatial representation of the Munsell hue sectors on a circle, where the angular spacing represents
a uniform scaling of hue; see Fig. 2.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is used by artists, designers, scientists, engineers, and government regulators, to specify an existing or desired
color. It is used in the natural sciences to record the colors of specimens, or identify specimens, such as human complexion,
flowers, foliage, soils, and minerals. It is used to specify colors for commerce and for control of color-production processes, when
instrumental color measurement is not economical. The Munsell system is widely used for color tolerancing, even when
instrumentation is employed (see Practice D3134). It is common practice to have color chips made to illustrate an aim color and
the just tolerable deviations from that color in hue, value, and chroma, such a set of chips being called a Color Tolerance Set. A
color tolerance set exhibits the aim color and color tolerances so that everyone involved in the selection, production, and
acceptance of the color can directly perceive the intent of the specification, before bidding to supply the color or starting
production. A color tolerance set may be measured to establish instrumental tolerances. Without extensive experience, it may be
impossible to visualize the meaning of numbers resulting from color measurement, but by this practice, the numbers can be
translated to the Munsell color-order system, which is exemplified by colored chips for visual examination. This color-order system
is the basis of the ISCC-NBS Method of Designating Colors and a Dictionary of Color Names, as well as the Universal Color
Language, which associates color names, in the English language, with Munsell notations (3).
5. Apparatus
5.1 Munsell Book of Color, matte or glossy edition.
5.2 Gray Masks, with rectangular openings the size of the chips in the Munsell Book of Color.
5.3 Daylight Illuminating Equipment, as described in Practice D1729.
D1535 − 14
6. Preparation of Test Specimens
6.1 This practice does not cover the preparation of test specimens. If preparation is necessary, see other ASTM standards
covering the appropriate materials or agree among interested parties on what the procedure shall be.
7. Munsell Notation by Visual Means
7.1 Lighting and Viewing Conditions:
7.1.1 Specimens must be examined by an observer with normal color vision.
7.1.2 For critical applications, use daylight illuminating equipment as described in Practice D1729.
7.1.3 If the lighting equipment described in Practice D1729 is not available, natural daylight can be used to obtain notations
having accuracy adequate for many purposes.
7.2 Procedure:
7.2.1 When using daylight illuminating equipment, follow the lighting and viewing recommendations of Practice D1729.
7.2.2 When determining the Munsell notation with natural daylight, select a window through which the sun is not shining. A
north window is usually used in the northern hemisphere, and a south window is usually used in the southern hemisphere. Place
a working surface at the window so the light reaches the surface from the observer’s side, chiefly from the sky, and at angles
centering on 45° above the horizontal. Place a canopy of black cloth above the working surface to prevent errors caused by the
ceiling or other objects being reflected from the surface of the specimens, or by light other than daylight falling on the work
surface. Place the specimen on a neutral medium gray to white background, where it is uniformly illuminated by daylight. View
the specimen along a direction just far enough from the normal to avoid reflection of your forehead. Although 45° illumination
and perpendicular viewing are recommended by the CIE, converse conditions are equivalent if a black matte surface is placed
opposite the observer to minimize the amount of light reflected from the specimen surface.
7.2.3 If both matte and glossy editions of the Munsell Book of Color are available, use the one having gloss most like the
specimen. Select the two adjacent Munsell constant-hue charts or chips between which the hue of the specimen lies. Place one on
each side of the specimen. Cover the specimen and charts with the gray masks so the specimen and one chip from each chart can
be seen. Move the masks from chip to chip to find the chips most like the specimen. The glossy chips are removable. Remove them
and place immediately adjacent to the specimen. Estimate, in the following order, the value, the chroma, and the hue, by
interpolation or extrapolation of the notations on the chips, as described in 7.2.3.1 to 7.2.3.3. Interchange the positions of the charts,
repeat the estimations, and average the results.
7.2.3.1 Value—Find the chips between which the value of the specimen lies. Estimate the value of the specimen to the nearest
tenth of the one-value-step interval between adjacent value levels and record it, for example, 4.2.
7.2.3.2 Chroma—Move the masks to present successive colors of the same chroma and, by interpolation or extrapolation,
determine the Munsell chroma. Pay chief attention to the Munsell chips having values nearest that of the specimen and secondary
attention to those next nearest. Although all Munsell chips of the same Munsell chroma are intended to appear to have the same
perceptual chroma, a slightly different estimate of chroma may be obtained by comparison with the chips of the next value. In such
cases, average the estimated Munsell chromas. Note that there are usually two chroma steps between adjacent columns of a chart.
Estimate chroma to the nearest fifth of the 2-chroma interval and record it, for example, 6.4.
7.2.3.3 Hue—Estimate the hue of the specimen by interpolation between the chips of the nearest Munsell value and chroma in
the selected hue charts. Estimate to the nearest fifth of the 2.5-hue steps between adjacent hue charts and record it, for example,
4.5R. (The tenth step of one hue sector is the zero of the next. The 10 is used; the zero is not.) If the value and chroma of the
specimen do not correspond closely to those of any chip, repeat the interpolation of hue with the next closest pair of chips and
record the average or estimate the hue as being closer to that of one or the other of the selected pairs of chips.
7.2.3.4 The Munsell notation for the hue H, the value V, and the chroma C, is written in the form HV/C. Using the examples
given, the Munsell notation would be written 4.5R 4.2/6.4.
8. Munsell Color Notation from CIE Measurement
NOTE 1—The CIE results for the specimen must be based upon color measurements in which the specular component was excluded, and with
calculations made using the 1931 2° standard observer and illuminant C.
8.1 Procedure—Convert the luminous reflectance, Y, and the chromaticity coordinates, x, y, of the specimen to Munsell color
notation by use of Table 1 and Figs. 3-16. Table 2 contains the numerical data from Ref (1) upon which Figs. 3-16 were based.
NOTE 2—For further information concerning Figs. 3-7, Fig. 9, Fig. 11, Fig. 13, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 and see Newhall, et al. (1). For further information
concerning Fig. 8 and Fig. 10, see I. Nimeroff (2).
NOTE 3—The luminous reflectance in the original reference (1) was measured relative to Magnesium Oxide. The luminous reflectance values in Table
2 were changed so that it is relative to the perfect reflecting diffuser.
8.2 In Table 1, find the value, V, equivalent t
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