Iraqi Geological Journal Al-Bayaty and Alhazaa 2024, 57 (2F), 56-71

Iraqi Geological Journal

Journal homepage: https://www.igj-iraq.org

Heavy Minerals Study of the Injana Formation Sandstone in Selected

Outcrops in Iraq: Implication for Provenance and Tectonic Setting
Haider F. Al-Bayaty1,* and Sawsan H. Alhazaa1
1
Department of Applied Geology, College of Science, University of Tikrit, Iraq
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract
Received: Two sections were selected, the first section is Basara, and Sulaymaniyah, which is located
18 May 2024
at the boundary between the high and the low folded zone, and the second section is Tuz-
Accepted: Khurmatu, Salaheddin, which is located in the Low Folded Zone. Ten samples of sandstone
10 October 2024 were collected to study heavy minerals. The study indicates that opaque, amphibole, and
pyroxene group minerals form the main heavy minerals, followed by chlorite and magnesite.
Published:
According to heavy minerals assemblage, the source rocks are interpreted to be composed
31 December 2024
essentially of sedimentary followed by igneous and metamorphic rocks and the high
contents of metastable minerals confirm their direct derivation from the adjacent primary
source. The Ternary diagram of MF-MT-GM showed that the studied samples fall within
the field of active continental margins characterized by a relatively high percentage of
minerals (MF˃GM) derived from mafic magmatic rocks.
Keywords: Injana formation; Heavy minerals; Provenances; Sandstone, Iraq

1. Introduction
The heavy minerals of detrital sedimentary rocks are a diverse and nongenetic mineral group with
a density of more than 2.86 g/cm3 (Folk, 1974). It has been used to investigate sediment provenance and
for many other scientific or practical applications. Because different types of source rocks provide
distinct suites of heavy minerals, these minerals are great indicators of the provenance of the sediment
source rocks (Hibbard, 2002). The heavy mineral analysis is one of the most sensitive and widely used
techniques in the determination of sand and sandstone provenance, because of its sensitivity to source
rock lithology (Bela et al., 2024). They are deposited and sorted according to differences in size, shape,
and density (Dott, 2003). Heavy minerals are derived from a variety of igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary rocks, these minerals not only occur in sedimentary rocks but are also found in different
types of unconsolidated sediments (Pandey et al., 2017; Andò, 2020). Heavy minerals are present in
their source rocks either as primary (e.g., amphiboles, pyroxenes, and micas) or accessory (e.g., zircon,
apatite, and tourmaline) mineral constituents (Mange and Maurer, 1992). Folk (1974) classified heavy
minerals into four groups depending on the relative chemical stability of heavy minerals, these include
the unstable, semi-stable, metastable, and ultra-stable groups. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the
heavy mineral assemblage from ten selected sandstone samples of the Injana Formation. It also discusses
the provenance and distribution of these minerals and tectonic settings.

DOI: 10.46717/igj.57.2F.5ms-2024-12-15

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2. Location and Geological Setting

The studied sections lie within two areas, tectonically, the first section is Basara, and Sulaymaniyah,
which is located at the boundary between the high and low Folded Zone. This boundary, geographically,
extends from the Sirwan River to the Little Zab River, while the second section is Tuz-Khurmatu, and
Salaheddin which is located in the Low Folded Zone, according to Fouad (2015) (Fig. 1). This study
clarifies heavy minerals of the Late Miocene age rock units represented by sandstone of Injana
Formation. During the Late Miocene, most of the shelf units were uplifted as a result of the collision
between the Iranian and Anatolian plates with the Arabian Plate (Jassim and Goff, 2006). The uplifted
area was subjected to intense erosion, and the products of erosion were deposited in the nearby Molasse
basin (Jassim and Goff, 2006).

Fig.1. Iraq's tectonic classification according to Fouad (2015) with the locations of the studied sections.

The Injana Formation represented the beginning of molasses deposits formed during the Alpine
Orogeny as a result of the collision of the Arabian plate with the Iranian and Anatolian plates (Beydoun,
1993). In Iraq, it is exposed from the northern and middle parts in the Low Folded Zone and Jazira Area
of the Mesopotamia Foredeep, as well as in the Mesopotamia Plain (Fouad, 2012). The type section of
the formation is in the Injana area on the northeastern edge of Jabal Hamrin where the thickness of the
formation is 620 m. Injana Formation extents to Iran (Upper Fars or Aghajari Formation) (James and
Wynd, 1965), Turkey (Siirt series) (Brinkmann, 1976), and in Syria (Upper Fars) (Ejel and Abdul
Rahim, 1974). The depositional environment of this formation changed progressively from the lagoon
into the lacustrine and then into the fluviolacustrine environment (Sharlend et al., 2001). Its lower and
upper contact is conformable with the Fatha and Mukdadya Formations, respectively (Jassim and Goff,
2006).

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The sandstone samples of this study were collected from two locations, first one is the Tuz-
Khurmatu section, which is located within Salaheddin Governorate east of Tikrit City about 90 km
northeast of Baghdad City. It lies south of Kirkuk City about 70 km, between latitudes 34°53'00"-34°
58' 00" and longitudes 44°39' 00"-44°45' 00", the thickness of this section is about 32 m (Fig. 2). The
second one is the Basara section, Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the North of Iraq about (42 Km)
northeast of Sulaymaniyah City. It is accurately determined with Latitude 35°26‘39"-35°30'40", and
Longitude 45°09' 02"- 45°15' 02", the thickness of this section is about 37.5 m (Fig. 2). The lower
contact with the Fatha Formation at the two locations (Tuz Khurmatu and Basara) is gradational and
determined by the last appearance of the gypsum layer. The upper contact with the Mukdadia Formation
is also gradational and determined by the first appearance of the pebbly sandstone bed (Bellen et al.,
1959; Grabowski and Liu, 2010; Lawa and Ghafur, 2015). The thickness of the formation is very
variable, the maximum thickness of the formation is 900 m which was measured near Kirkuk. The Late
Miocene-Pliocene Injana Formation is widely distributed in Iraq, it is of great importance in terms of
economic and raw materials (Al-Rawi et al., 1992). It represents clastic sediment deposits in a fluviatile
environment. Because of its wide distribution, it was extensively studied (Al-Naqib, 1960).

Fig.2. Location map of the studied sections (Tuz-Khurmatu and Basara sections).

3. Materials and Methods

Heavy minerals analysis of sandstone was performed on 12 samples from selected sites of the
Injana Formation distributed in the two locations ((7 samples from the Tuz-Khurmatu section (sample
No. IT), and (5 samples from the Basara section (sample No.IB)). Each sample represents the sandstone
units of each sedimentary cycle. All the samples were subsequently air-dried and then were segregated
into sand fractions of < 63 μm, 63-125 μm, 125-250 μm, and 250-500 μm grain size fractions, the 63-
125 μm fraction was selected for the analysis. The selected samples were treated with acetic acid (10
%) to remove carbonate cement and iron oxides. According to Carver (1971) and Mange and Maurer
(1992), heavy liquid (Bromoform CHBr3) with a specific gravity of 2.89 g/cm3 is used to separate the
heavy fraction from light ones. Each heavy fraction samples were washed on filter paper with acetone,
dried out, and part of them mounted on glass slides with Canada Balsam for heavy minerals study by

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binocular polarized microscope. The Preparation and separation of heavy minerals were achieved at the
Department of Applied Geology, College of Science, University of Tikrit. The Ribbon counting
technique, the most prevalent approach for heavy minerals, was used to perform the quantitative
analyses (500 counts per slide are performed) carried out by the point counter mechanical stage (Mange
and Maurer, 1992). The heavy minerals were characterized using various techniques. The distribution
of heavy minerals was determined by manual grain counting using an optical microscope (Leica-DM
750P). The morphological properties and mineral chemistry of heavy minerals were examined by
scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) at the Khurah
laboratory of Baghdad, Iraq. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the heavy mineral samples with
different conditions were also measured for four samples 2 samples from the Tuz-Khurmatu section and
2 samples from the Basara section at the Khurah laboratory of Baghdad, Iraq.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Heavy Minerals Analysis

The heavy minerals in Injana Formation sandstone occur in the form of non-opaque and opaque
minerals. The opaque minerals mostly happen in the form of oxide and hydroxides of iron such as
magnetite, hematite, and limonite (Morton et al., 1992). Zircon, tourmaline, rutile, biotite, and muscovite
are characteristic weathering products of medium to high grade, metamorphic and granitic-gneissic
sources form the majority of the overall heavy minerals content (Garzanti, 2017). The counting results
were then converted to numeric percentages for heavy mineral fractions as listed in Table 1.

4.1.1. Opaque minerals

Most heavy minerals are found in opaque minerals, which are present in all the studied samples,
with an average of 57.8% in the Basara section and 47.1% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1). They
are usually slightly elongated, subhedral in shape, and remain dark under cross-polar (Fig. 3A). as will
be mentioned later.

4.1.2. Ultra-stable minerals

• Zircon
The zircon grains were recorded in most of the examined samples of the Injana Formation with
relatively low content with an average of 1.8% in the Basara section and 1.0% in the Tuz-Khurmatu
section, their percentage in the Basara section is more than of that in Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).
It usually occurs in a prismatic form and euhedral to subhedral shape (Fig. 3B). They are colorless under
plane-polarized light but show high relief order interference color under cross-polar (Dott, 2003). Zircon
is of great significance for the source rock. Because its euhedral shape is an indication of acidic igneous
rock and the rounded shape is an indication of high-grade metamorphic rocks (Bela et al., 2024).
• Tourmaline
The tourmaline grains were relatively recorded in all of the examined samples of the Injana
Formation, with an average of 4.1% in the Basara section and 4.6% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table
1). The presence of tourmaline was in different colors and shapes, the color of tourmaline in the studied
sample for two sections was a honey color and subhedral grains in shape (Fig. 3C), which are associated
with the non-opaque minerals, especially rutile (Tucker, 1985). Tourmaline is derived from felsic
igneous rocks, especially granite, and metamorphic rocks (Garzanti, 2017).

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 Table 1. Percentage and average of heavy minerals in Injana sandstone at Basara and Tuz-Khurmatu sections.

• Rutile
Zircon%
Rutile %
Others %

Biotite %

Garnet %
Iraqi Geological Journal

Opaque %
Epidote %

Kyanite %
Chlorite %

Tremolite -

Sample No.
Actinolite%
Muscovite %

Tourmaline%
Hornblende %
Clinopyroxene
Orthopyroxene %
IB21 57.4 2.8 4.2 1.9 1.4 1.5 3.0 2.1 6.4 4.5 6.2 0.5 5.4 2.4 0.3
IB25 58.5 2.1 3.5 1.8 1.3 1.7 2.5 1.5 5.7 6.5 8.3 0.3 4.1 2.1 0.1
IB28 59.3 1.8 4.4 1.4 0.8 3.2 3.2 3.2 6.1 5.9 6.2 0.4 2.4 1.5 0.2
IB30 56.8 0.9 6.1 0.8 0.4 1.3 4.8 2.5 5.3 8.1 8.7 0.9 1.6 1.7 0.1
IB34 57.1 1.7 2.3 0 0.6 3.3 5.5 3.8 4.1 7.4 9.1 0.2 3.4 1.3 0.2
Avg. 57.8 1.8 4.1 1.2 0.9 2.2 3.8 2.6 5.5 6.5 7.7 0.4 3.3 1.8 0.1

60
IT1 45.8 0.5 4.2 0.2 1.1 3.8 4.3 3.4 6.0 7.1 3.8 3.2 14.5 1.9 0.2
IT5 44.6 1.7 5.7 0.8 0.3 5.1 3.4 3.9 5.5 6.3 2.9 3.9 13.8 1.2 0.9
Al-Bayaty and Alhazaa

IT10 47.9 0 4.7 0.6 1.4 2.4 2.8 4.3 6.7 4.4 4.7 2.4 15.4 1.5 0.8
IT12 43.7 1.5 3.9 0.7 1.8 2.2 2.7 2.6 5.7 8.5 3.1 4.1 16.4 2.5 0.6
IT13 46.6 1.4 5.1 1.8 2.3 4.1 3.0 3.3 7.7 5.2 2.5 2.2 12.7 1.6 0.5
IT14 44.4 0 4.6 0 2.2 3.3 3.1 4.6 6.0 5.9 6.6 1.6 14.5 2.4 0.8
IT16 45.8 1.3 5.1 1.1 1.4 3.9 3.5 2.8 6.4 4.3 7.5 2.1 11.2 2.7 0.9
Avg. 47.1 1.0 4.6 0.8 1.4 3.4 3.3 3.4 6.1 6.0 4.8 2.5 12.7 1.9 0.6

hardly observed but fractures are visible, and no inclusions in the minerals (Resentini et al., 2018).
2024, 57 (2F), 56-71

is short prismatic to platy forms, angular to sub angular or irregular forms (Fig. 3D). Cleavages are
irregular grains, blood red to dark brown color with black shades, and very high relief. Most of the Rutile
The average percentage of rutile grains in the samples of the Injana Formation is 1.1% in the Basara
section and 0.8% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1). Rutile occurs as elongated subhedral and
Iraqi Geological Journal Al-Bayaty and Alhazaa 2024, 57 (2F), 56-71

Fig.3. Photomicrographs of heavy minerals of Injana Formations, Basara, and Tuz-Khurmatu sections.
A. Opaque grain (iron oxide), slightly elongated, subhedral, sample number IT 12. B. High relief,
colorless, zircon, sample number IB 34. C. Honey color, Subhedral, tourmaline, sample number IT 13.
D. Blood red to dark brown, high relief, rutile, sample number IB 30. E. Subhedral, elongate habit,
colorless, high relief, kyanite, sample number IB 30. F. Rounded rose color, garnet, sample number IT
16. G. Yellowish color, subrounded, epidote, sample number IT 12. H. Subhedral, green color,
hornblende, sample number IB 21. I. Subhedral rhomb shape tremolite-actinolite, sample number IB
25. J. Subhedral, Altered, clinopyroxene, sample number IB 28. K. High relief, colorless, anhedral,
orthopyroxene, sample number IB 30. L. Brown color, strong pleochroism, biotite, sample number IT
16. M. Flaky form, green color, chlorite, sample number IT 14. N. Flaky from, colorless, muscovite,
sample number IT 1.

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4.1.3. Metastable minerals

• Kyanite
Kyanite is relatively equal in abundance to that of sillimanite in the sandstones. They are colorless
to a tinge of light yellow under plane-polarized light but light bluish-grey under cross-polar. They occur
as short and bladed grains with subhedral forms (Fig. 3E) (Basu, 2003). The presence of Kayanite grains
is recorded in most of the examined samples of the Injana Formation with relatively low content with
an average of 0.9% in the Basara section and 1.4% in Tuz-Khurmatu section. The percentage of kyanite
in the Basara section is similar to that in Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).
• Garnet
Garnet is observed in all the studied samples with an average of 2.2% in the Basara section and
3.3% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1). It has a high-relief shape, mostly colorless, and rarely rose
to brownish color. Most of the crystals occur in rounded to subrounded grains (Fig. 3F). Resentini et al.,
(2018) illustrated that the Garnet is a relatively stable mineral under both burial diagenetic conditions
and weathering, and it is especially characteristic of metamorphic rocks
• Epidote
The average percentage of epidote is 3.8% in the Basara section and 3.3% in the Tuz-Khurmatu
section (Table 1). It is usually present as a subangular to subrounded shape, high relief, light green,
yellowish green, and grass green color (Fig. 3F). Generally, epidote is found in the igneous rocks, mostly
in greenschist and epidote-amphibolite facies (Garzanti et al., 2019).

4.1.4. Unstable minerals

• Hornblende
Hornblende is dominated of amphibole groups (Malusa et al., 2017). It is recorded in all examined
samples of the Injana Formation, it is the most abundant group in the studied transparent unstable heavy
minerals. The hornblende is characterized by light green to brownish green and brown colors with clear
pleochroism from green to pale green (Fig. 3H). The percentage of hornblende in the studied samples is
an average of 5.5% in the Basara section and 6.1% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).
• Tremolite-Actinolite
Tremolite-Actinolite is dominated by Amphibole group minerals, it is also recorded in all examined
samples, and it is the most abundant group in the studied transparent unstable heavy minerals.
Amphiboles constitute an extremely complex group of minerals that form in a variety of igneous and
metamorphic rocks (Pettijohn et al. 1972). It is characterized by colorless to subhedral rhomb shape,
without pleochroism and low extinction angle (Fig. 3I). The percentage of Tremolite-Actinolite in
studied samples an average of 2.6% in the Basara section and 3.4% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table
1).
• Clinopyroxene
Clinopyroxene is observed as prismatic subhedral and irregular in shape, usually cleavable, altered,
with moderate relief, characterized by light yellowish green to brownish colors, some of which are
characterized by weak pleochroism (Fig. 3J). Pyroxene is the most important group of ferromagnesian
rock-forming minerals (Tucker, 1991). They occur in almost every type of igneous and metamorphic
rocks and crystallize under a range of different conditions, it appears in the source rocks of basic and
ultrabasic igneous rocks (Kasper et al., 2008). The percentage of clinopyroxene in the studied samples
is an average of 6.4% in the Basara section and 6.0% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).
• Orthopyroxene
The average percentage of orthopyroxene in the studied samples is 7.7% in the Basara section and
4.8% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1). Orthopyroxenes is recorded in all examined samples of

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the Injana Formation, and it is observed as prismatic anhedral to irregular shape, colorless, pale green,
high to moderate relief, and some of which are characterized by pleochroism (Nie et al., 2015) (Fig.
3K).

4.1.5. Flaky minerals

• Biotite
Biotite is recorded in some studied samples with a small percentage (Table 1). The percentage of
biotite in the studied samples is an average of 0.4% in the Basara section and 2.4% in the Tuz-Khurmatu
section. Their percentage in the Basara section is higher than in the Tuz-Khurmatu section. Biotite
occurs in a flaky form and rounded to subrounded shape, reddish and brown, with strong pleochroism,
the cleavage is distinct (Malusa et al., 2017) (Fig. 3L).
• Chlorite
Chlorite grains occur as altered flaky, irregular in shape with subrounded to rounded edges, and
pale green, green, and pale brown colors, some of which are altered and contain iron oxide (Fig. 3M).
The percentage of chlorite in the studied samples is an average of 3.3% in the Basara section and 12.7%
in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1). Chlorite is mostly secondary in origin formed from the alteration
of ferromagnesian silicate minerals, and derived from metamorphic rocks (Hibbard, 2002).
• Muscovite
Muscovite occurs in a flaky form, rounded to subrounded in shape, transparent colorless with low
relief (Fig. 3N). The percentage of muscovite in the studied samples is an average of 1.8% in the Basara
section and 1.9% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).
• Others
This group includes the minerals that are recorded in rare percentages within the Injana Formation.
The percentage of these minerals in the studied samples is an average of 0.1% in the Basara section and
0.6% in the Tuz-Khurmatu section (Table 1).

4.2. Stability of Heavy Minerals

Kasper et al., (2008) suggested a ternary diagram for the determination of the stability of heavy
minerals content, in which unstable, moderately stable, and ultra-stable groups are considered (Fig. 4),
application of the stability factor on the studied sandstone of Injana Formation showed that all samples
are moderately stable; because of the high percentage of opaque minerals with the involvement of
amphibole and pyroxene, this means that these minerals could not be transported for very long distances
and were accumulated close to the source area and not represents polycyclic grain (Garzanti, 2017).

Fig.4. Ternary diagram of heavy mineral stability of the Injana Formation samples based on Kasper et
al. (2008)

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4.3. Mineralogy of the Heavy Minerals

Four samples of the heavy minerals are mineralogically identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and
the minerals were identified through X-ray diffraction Patterns. These minerals are as follows (biotite,
tremolite-actinolite, pyroxene group, zircon, epidote, rutile, muscovite, albite, magnesite, chlorite, and
garnet) (Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8).

Fig.5. X-ray diffraction of the heavy minerals of Injana Formation, sample IT 10.

Fig.6. X-ray diffraction of the heavy minerals of Injana Formation, sample IT 13.

Fig.7. X-ray diffraction of the heavy minerals of Injana Formation, sample IB 21

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Fig.8. X-ray diffraction of the heavy minerals of Injana Formation, sample IB 25

The results of morphological properties of heavy minerals were examined by using the scanning
electron microscope (SEM) and (EDX) for four samples for chemical analysis that revealed the presence
of the following minerals, such as biotite, ilmenite, garnet, rutile, tourmaline, chlorite, epidote,
orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene. Biotite form occurs usually as flakes and subhedral crystals to
subrounded shape, and the cleavage is distinct (Fig. 9). According to EDX, biotite has higher amounts
of Si and Al, with minor amounts of Mg, Ti, Fe and K. Generally, the chemical formula of biotite can
be written as K (Mg,Fe)3 (Al, Si3 O10) (OH)2. Ilmenite form occurs as subhedral crystals (Fig. 10).
Ilmenite is abundant in Fe-Ti oxides, and the chemical formula is FeTiO3. On the other hand, Garnet
crystals occur in rounded to subrounded grains in the studied samples (Fig. 11). The composition of
garnet reflects the almandine composition of the chemical formula Fe3Al2Si3O12. Rutile is the preferred
mineral for the production of titanium (Fig. 12). EDX peaks show a considerably higher amount of Ti,
with minor amounts of Si, Ca, Fe, and Al, and the chemical formula is TiO 2. However, the tourmaline
form occurs as subhedral grains in shape (Fig. 13). EDX peaks show considerable Si and Mg, with minor
amounts of Ca, Fe and Al, the chemical formula of tourmaline is (Ca, K, Na) (Al, Fe, Mg, Li, Mn)3 (Al,
Cr, Fe, V)6 (BO3)3 (Si, Al, B)6 O16 (OH)4.
According to SEM analysis, chlorite occurs as a flake and is irregular in shape with subrounded to
rounded edges (Fig. 14A). SEM of epidote form shows that as a subangular to subrounded with some
fractures in the grain (Fig. 15B). Magnesite grains were analyzed with SEM and exhibited subhedral in
shape (Fig. 15C). SEM observed both orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene had prismatic anhedral to
irregular forms (Fig. 14 D and E).

Fig.9. SEM and EDX image showing flakes and subhedral crystals of biotite

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Fig.10. SEM and EDX image showing subhedral crystals of ilmenite

Fig.11. SEM and EDX image showing subrounded grains of garnet

Fig.12. SEM and EDX image showing elongated subhedral and irregular grains of rutile

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Fig.13. SEM and EDX image showing subhedral grains of tourmaline

Fig. 14. SEM micrographs of surface textures in grains showing: flakes and irregular in shape with subrounded
to rounded edges of Chlorite (A); Subangular to subrounded with some fractures in the grain of Epidote (B);
subhedral in the shape of Magnesite (C); anhedral to irregular in forms for both Orthopyroxene and
Clinopyroxene (D, E)
E
4.4. Provenance of the Heavy Minerals D
The most important features of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks upon which provenance
interpretation and for determining source rock lithology and tectonic setting are the mineralogy and
chemical composition of the detrital rock components (Garzanti et al., 2019). Heavy Minerals have been
widely used to determine the source rock, transport, and provenance in various depositional
environments (Boggs, 2001; Kasper et al., 2008). In the studied sediments, the most common
concentrate of heavy minerals is the amphibole groups (Tremolite-Actinolite and Hornblende), and
pyroxene groups (orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene), which identified that these minerals couldn't have
been transported for long distances and didn't represent polycyclic sediments. The presence of opaque
is referred to mafic igneous and metamorphic rock mainly, as well as acidic igneous and reworked
sedimentary rock (Dott, 2003). Hornblende is common in mafic igneous and metamorphic rocks (Nie et
al., 2015). Biotite is derived from acidic igneous and metamorphic rocks (Hibbard, 2002). The euhedral
forms of zircon indicate acid igneous rock, zircon occurs in acidic and intermediate igneous rocks
(Komar, 2007). Epidote, garnet, chlorite, amphibole (tremolite-actinolite), and kyanite, are indicating
metamorphic sources (Bela et al., 2024). The presence of rutile is characteristic of a provenance of

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metamorphosed argillaceous sediments of high-grade schist as well as acidic igneous rock (Boggs,
2001). The presence of the tourmaline indicates granitic pegmatites and acidic igneous sources (Komar,
2007). The presence of rounded to subrounded grains such as some opaques, zircon, and tourmaline
indicates a reworked sedimentary source (Garzanti et al., 2019). The results of heavy minerals analysis
for the studied samples of the Injana Formations indicate that the source rocks are basic, ultra-basic, and
metamorphic essentially, in addition to acidic igneous and reworked sedimentary.

4.5. Tectonic Setting of the Heavy Minerals

The linkage between tectonic and sediment composition has been long recognized (Komar, 2007).
Nechoev and Isophording (1993) suggested a plate tectonic interpretation of heavy mineral data by
comparing the assemblage with the possible sources of clastic sediment resulting from different stages
of the plate tectonic cycle.
Nechoev and Isophording (1993) constructed a triangular diagram (MF, GM, and MT) linkage plate
tectonic setting and the heavy mineral assemblage where, MF: common constituents of mafic magmatic
rocks, MT: common constituents of basic metamorphic rocks, GM: Accessory minerals of granites and
sialic metamorphic rocks).
The mafic magmatic, basic metamorphic, and sialic metamorphic rock contents (MF, GM, and MT)
have been recalculated to 100% (Table 2). Plotting the percentages of the studied samples of Injana
Formation in both sections (Basara and Tuz-Khurmatu) on the ternary diagram shows that all the
samples fall within the field of active continental margins (Fig. 15). Thay are characterized by a
relatively high percentage of minerals derived from basic rocks, as well as the assemblage of the heavy
mineral in the studied samples are reflect the immaturity sandstone of the Injana Formation; because
they are located in the field of the active continental margin, shelves and continental slopes of margin
seas, where MF > GM in the samples.

Table 2. The recalculated mafic magmatic (MF), basic metamorphic (GM), and granitic and sialic metamorphic
(MT) to 100%

Sample No. M.F % G.M % M.T %

IB21 53.6 32.2 14.1
IB 25 61.3 26.0 12.5
IB 28 55.1 25.4 19.3
IB 30 60.7 22.5 16.7
IB 34 60.5 13.5 25.8
Avg. 58.2 23.9 17.7
IT1 54.5 19.3 26.1
IT5 46.3 26.8 26.8
IT10 57.0 24.1 18.7
IT12 57.4 26.2 16.2
IT13 46.5 32.0 21.4
IT14 58.3 21.4 20.1
IT16 52.7 25.7 21.4
Avg. 53.3 25.1 21.5

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 Iraqi Geological Journal Al-Bayaty and Alhazaa 2024, 57 (2F), 56-71

Fig.15. Interrelationship of the MF-MT-GM suites of Injana Formation at Basara and Tuz-Khurmatu section
(after Nechaev and Isphording, 1993)

5. Conclusions
• The presence of different types of heavy minerals in the Injana Formation at Basara and Tuz-
Khurmatu section indicates various source rocks.
• The heavy minerals assemblages of Injana Formations include a very high percentage of opaques
relative to the other heavy minerals that are indicated to derive mainly from mafic igneous and
metamorphic sources, as well as acidic igneous and reworked sediments sources.
• The presence of unstable heavy minerals indicates the proximity of the source area.
• The tectonic setting of the two sections was indicated by the MF-MT-GM ternary diagram that
reflects the active continental margin, which is characterized by a relatively high percentage of
mafic minerals.
• The heavy minerals in both sections (Basara and Tuz-Khurmatu) are moderately stable.
• The results of the morphological properties of heavy minerals by using SEM performed the forms
of the grains are from subrounded to rounded edges and subhedral to anhedral with some fractures
in the grains.
• The results of chemical analyses using EDX indicated that the studied samples contained high
amounts of Si and Al, with minor amounts of Mg, Ti, Fe, Cl, Ca, and K.

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