The Mesopotamian Sedimentology researches..

Petrogenesis of sedimentary ironstones in  Jabal Sanam Structure - Southern Iraq

Basim H. Soltan, Geology Dept.., Science collage.

Adil A. Al-Fregi, Chemistry Dept., Science Collage.

 Zuhair A. Abdul Naby, Marine Science Center, Basrah University.

Abstract:

         A total of (16) ironstone samples were collected from surface exposures of Jabal Sanam. These samples were firstly described in the field, then ten thin sections prepared for microscopic study. X-ray, U.V. visible and atomic absorption was employed .The available ironstones show a wide spread distribution over Jabal Sanam structure mainly in the eastern and southeastern parts. Their variety coulors; brown to reddish brown, yellow to reddish yellow, depending upon the Fe^+³ Oxides State the content characterize them. The ironstones under study have high percent of Fe^+³ about 52% , the obtained X-ray and ultraviolet diffraction patterns and atomic absorption revealed the dominancy of Hematite mineral. It’s believed that these ironstones originated by the decomposition of Precambrian basement: basic, ultra basic igneous and metamorphic rocks by the action of hydrothermal solutions that accompanied the peircement of Jabal Sanam.