Reconstructed soils representing different materials handling and replacement techniques were characterized and variability in chemical and physical properties was assessed. The data obtained indicate that reconstructed soil properties are determined largely by parent material characteristics and further tempered by materials handling procedures. Mining tends to create a relatively homogeneous soil landscape in contrast to the mixture of diverse soils found before mining. On a landscape scale, reconstructed soils are less variable than unmined soils. On a local scale, reconstructed soils are more variable than natural soils. The data suggest that one hole per sampling site provides adequate representation of pH, sodium adsorption ratio, percent saturation and clay content. An inspection density in the range of one inspection per 1 to 5 ha is appropriate for the "mapping" of reconstructed soils. The proposed sampling intensity for characterization of reconstructed soils is one site per 5 to 10 ha.