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Study of metasomatose iron deposit of Chaabet El Bellout (Ain Zana, NE of

Algeria): mineralogy, geochemistry, and genetic model

Article in Arabian Journal of Geosciences · December 2022

DOI: 10.1007/s12517-022-11057-7

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Arabian Journal of Geosciences (2022) 15:1766
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-11057-7

ORIGINAL PAPER

Study of metasomatose iron deposit of Chaabet El Bellout (Ain Zana,

NE of Algeria): mineralogy, geochemistry, and genetic model
Tarek Zerrouki1,2 · Abdelhak Boutaleb1 · Lounis Sami1,3 · Ahmed Abderrahmane Semchaoui1,2 · Abdallah Chabbi4

Received: 11 April 2022 / Accepted: 30 November 2022

© Saudi Society for Geosciences 2022

Abstract
Chaabet El Bellout iron mine is located in the Medjerda Mountains, constituting a connection zone between the Maghre-
bides chain and the Saharan Atlas. This deposit is mainly embedded in Upper Cretaceous (Campanian and Maastrichtian)
and Miocene limestones with clusters and veins replacing both carbonates and sandy-carbonate levels. In this study, field
observations and mineralogical analyses combined with geochemical and oxygen isotopic data were used to determine the
origin of the mineralizing fluid and the source of mineralization. The results indicate that the iron ore of Chaabet El Bellout
is of medium quality resulting following two main phases: first, the replacement of Cretaceous carbonates by ankerite and
siderite, followed by the alteration of iron oxides (hematite and magnetite), then, a deposit of high temperature sulfides,
sulfosalts, and sulfates (pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, gray copper, and barite) in a fractured zone. However, the contribu-
tion of magmatic fluids cannot be excluded, as some samples reveal high V-Mo-Ni and Zn contents and a negative isotopic
signature (-0.6‰ VSMOW) different from the rest of samples that all indicate positive values (0.6 to 1.6‰ VSMOW), sug-
gesting the participation of metasomatic saline fluids interacting with marine carbonate levels deposited in the Cretaceous
and Triassic formations.

Keywords Medjerda Mountains · Upper Cretaceous · Iron ore · Hematite · Oxygen isotope

Introduction it is also attached to the Maghrebides chain nappe (Villa

1978). This region contains numerous siderite occurrences
Several iron deposits are known in northeast of Algeria and metasomatic deposits of Ouenza, Boukhadra, and Jebel
(Ouenza, Boukhadra, Khanga). These deposits are currently Jerissa (Pohl et al. 1986) hosted either in Triassic diapirs or
being explored and exploited by public mining companies. in Cretaceous-Miocene formations (Kriviakine et al. 1989).
The Ain Zana region (NE of Souk Ahras city) is part of the These concentrations are epigenetic and occur as veins and
metallogenic district located at the Algerian-Tunisian border; clusters. In 1964, Rudis attributed the majority of these min-
eralizations to N-S and ENE-SWS faults.
Communicated by Domenico M. Doronzo The aim of this study is to determine the relation between
various concentrations and their host rock, using textural,
* Tarek Zerrouki mineralogical, and geochemical studies on different rock and
zerrouki.tarek@gmail.com ore types, and isotopic oxygen data. Indeed, the Chaabet El
1
(LMMA) Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Sciences Bellout mineralization has never been thoroughly studied to
and Technology Houari Boumedienne (USTHB), BP 32, determine its origin. The deposit is located in the external
16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria domain of the Maghrebides chains, where the Triassic out-
2
Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth Sciences, crops play a dominant role in the development of the thrust
University of Djilali Bounâma Khemis Miliana, Ain Defla, sheets. The iron ore lies within a Campanian carbonate
Algeria facies. These new data classify this deposit in metasomatic
3
Department Geology, Mouloud Mammeri University, type with a significant contribution of magmatic fluids that
UMMTO, Tizi Ouzou, Algeria show traces that present a pattern detected by the geochemi-
4
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University cal data analysis illustrated in this article.
of Mohamed-Cherif Messaadia University, Souk Ahras,
Algeria

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1766 Page 2 of 20 Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766

Geological setting originating from the Tellian sillon of secondary to Ter-

tiary age (Bouedja 2010; Chabbi 2017; Vila 1980) and the
Chaabet El Bellout iron deposit is located at 630 km series of countries that limit the alpine chain to the south
east of Algiers, 100 km southeast of Annaba city, 77 km (Chadi 1991; Vila 1980). The Triassic formations are the
southeast from Guelma, 30 km northeast of Souk Ahras oldest in this area and are abnormally placed relative to
city, and 50 km west from the Algerian-Tunisian border the other litho-structural units (Chabbi 2017).
(Fig. 1). This mining concession is currently exploited Triassic diapirs on the Algerian-Tunisian borders (Souk
by SOMIFER (Algerian Society of Iron Mines) with an Ahras, El Ouenza, Mesloula, and Sakiet) outcrop due to tec-
exploitable ore reserve of 3.6 million tons (Kouzmine tonic movements and extend usually along NE-SW oriented
1992). The extracted ore is sold to the El Hadjar (Annaba) anticlinal axes during the main uplift from the Upper Aptian
iron and steel complex when the ­Fe 2O 3 content is high to the Albian (Madre 1969; Martinez et al. 1991; Perthuisot
(> 45%), and to cement factories when the content is et al. 1978). The dimensions of these structures vary from
between 35 and 45%. 0.2 × 0.5 km to 25 × 10 km (Garnit and Bouhlel 2017; Hlaiem
The Medjerda Mountains constitute the easternmost 1999; Zouaghi et al. 2005).
part of the external Tellian domain within the Algerian Triassic outcrops occur as intrusive masses deformed by
section of the Maghrebides (Fig. 2). The relative conver- Neogene to Quaternary accidents in more recent sedimen-
gence of the Tethys between the North African and South tary series Cretaceous or Tertiary (Perthuisot 1978; Perthui-
European margins, since 18 Ma, created the Maghre- sot et al. 1999). The Triassic is composed of heterogene-
bides and Atlas Mountains along North Africa. The latter ous materials consisting of mixed clay fragments, gypsum,
extends over 2000 km from the Rif (Morocco) through marls, greenish to reddish sandstones, limestone boulders
Algeria and Tunisia to Sicily (Italy) (Abbassene 2017; with igneous rocks, black dolomites, and rare green rocks
Bouillin 1986; Chazot et al. 2017; Said 2011; Talbi et al. (Halimi 2008; Zanouda et al. 2019). Sedimentation contin-
2008). The Maghrebides are subdivided into three overlap- ues in the Cretaceous with reef to peri-reef deposits (Mah-
ping paleogeographic domains (Raoult and JF 1974), from joubi and Samama 1983; Vila 1980). The Lower Cretaceous
north to south: the internal domain (Kabyle), the flysch formations correspond to Barremian to Vraconian deposits
domain, and the external domain (Tell). that generally cover the anticlinal flanks along diapir axes
The study area is part of the external alpine chain composed of marno-carbonates (organogenic reef lime-
domain, corresponding to the Tellian zones (sillon). stone, dolomite, marly limestone, etc.) (Dubourdieu 1957;
This area is characterized by marly to carbonate deposits Kraiem et al. 2015). As for the Upper Cretaceous, which
outcrops in the region, it consists of formations dating from

Fig. 1  Geographical position of the structure of Chaabet El Bellout

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 3 of 20 1766

Fig. 2  Geological map of Medjerda mounts (Chabbi 2017)

the Cenomanian to the Maestrichtian. These thick series The NE-SW oriented anticline (Dj. Graout) and syncline
include marls, limestones, organic-rich limestones with (Merahna, Lakhdara) (Chabbi 2017) are the main mega-
clayey passages and two large limestone bars separated structures of the Algerian-Tunisian borders within the
by marl-limestone alternations: the Lower Campanian and Medjerda Mountains originating mainly from the Upper
Upper Maastrichtian bars (Marzougui et al. 2015). Eocene “Atlas” compressive phase in Algeria and the Upper
The Eocene layers are visible in this part of the Algerian- Miocene in Tunisia (Ferhi et al. 2018). In addition, major
Tunisian border. The transition between the Maastrichtian and accidents shearing the Meso-Cenozoic cover formations
the Paleogene is marked by yellow marls followed by a phos- resulted in large fractures that favored the upward migration
phatic limestone deposit with flint nodules, Globigerine and of Triassic evaporates (Martinez et al. 1991). In addition,
Nummulite limestone (Ypresian to Lower Lutetian) and black two major angular unconformities have been identified: the
marls (Bejaoui et al. 2011; Ferhi et al. 2018; Garnit and Bouhlel first between the Lower Miocene and the Paleocene and the
2017). The Oligocene is represented by thick alternating clay second between the Mio-Pliocene and the Lower Miocene
and sandstone sequences often discordant with the older and (Chabbi 2017).
darker strata (Ferhi et al. 2018). The Mio-Plio-Quaternary fill The current structural aspect of the Medjerda Moun-
is composed of conglomerates, silty to sandy clays and sandy tains is marked by thrust sheets and stacked allochthonous
clays (Ferhi et al. 2018; Kraiem et al. 2015). This basin extends lithologic units on a para-autochthonous domain where
over several kilometers in a NE-SW orientation. the compressive phase between the Upper Eocene and the
The compressional movement associated with the Afri- Lower Miocene occurs (Vila 1980). In addition, a polyphasic
can and European plate convergence changes direction from movement reaching a paroxysmal stress, oriented N-S devel-
NW–SE in the west to N-S in the east (Argus et al. 1989; oped a fracture network (N-S, E-W, and mainly NW–SE
Caire 1957; Gràcia et al. 2003; Said 2011). and NE-SW) that affects the entire ante-Miocene formations

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( Chabbi 2017). This tectonic phase favored the structural fractured and often mineralized layer containing a pelagic
stratification of lithological units with the same orientation fauna rich in Globotracana and Globingerina (Fig. 6a). The
as the Atlas Mountains (case of the Sallaoua unit) and led upper part is covered by the Maastrichtian unit which con-
to small horizontal thrusts. The Eo-Cretaceous faults were sists of metric layers of beige and relatively hard limestone,
then replayed in E-W and N-S directions during the Miocene oriented N030° to N045° and dipping at 20° SE (Fig. 6b).
and Mio-plio-quaternary compressive phase (Chabbi 2017; In these limestones, microfauna is widespread with mainly
Martinez et al. 1991). Globigerines and Radiolarites, indicating deep marine sedi-
Chaabet El Bellout structure constitutes an allochthonous mentation (Chabbi 2017).
tectonic unit belonging to the Sellaoua domain (Chabbi The Miocene covers the central part of the deposit. This
2017; David 1956; Vila 1980). It is represented mainly by transgressive detrital formation is composed of a conglomeratic
Senonian (Campanian and Maastrichtian) carbonate facies level at the base, covered by alternating black marl and marly
(Fig. 3) overlain unconformably by sandstone and black marl sandstone over a 200-m thickness (Fig. 6c-d). According to
of Miocene age in its central part. The entire unit is discord- David (1956), the structure of Chaabet El Bellout is an inverted
ant with the Triassic band known as the Djelmana band com- syncline covered by Miocene formations at the center, while
mon in the region (Fig. 4). Campanian limestones and Maastrichtian limestones and marls
The Triassic complex is characterized by heterogene- outline its northern and southern flanks. In 1964, Rudis divided
ous and versicolored (yellow, red, purple, etc.) clay levels the Chaabet El Bellout into two distinct structural zones: a Cre-
(Fig. 5) and heterogeneous rock fragments containing metric taceous over Tertiary thrust zone in the western part and a syn-
blocks of saccharoid gypsum (David 1956). At Chaabet El clinal zone deformed by multiple faults that developed into a
Bellout, this complex occurs mainly in the northern part of horst structure, in the central and eastern part of the deposit.
the deposit and borders the Cretaceous and Miocene forma- Furthermore, Chabbi (2017) suggests that, in the western part
tions in an E-W direction. of Chaabet El Bellout, the existing structure results from the
The allochthonous series of Sellaoua of Cretaceous superposition of the Upper Cretaceous formations on the Mio-
age are subdivided into two lithostratigraphic units about cene deposits. Indeed, the diapiric uplift of the Triassic material
100 m thick. The basal Campanian unit consists of alternat- after the Lower Miocene deposition is closely associated with
ing marls and yellow-gray limestones stratified in a highly the folding, subsequent erosion, and structuring of the syncline.

Fig. 3  Geological map of the Chaabet El Bellout mine (Kouzmine 1992)

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 5 of 20 1766

Fig. 4  Panoramic pictures

showing all the geological
formations of the Chaabet El
Bellout structure. (a) Picture
taken in the north east of study
area. (b) Picture taken in the
south of study area

Fig. 5  Lithological facies of Trias at Chaabet El Bellout

Strike-slip faults filled with iron ore and calcite are eas- significant thickness, varying from 20 cm to 1 m. The
ily identified in the field, as seen in the western part of the second mineralized level corresponds to a carbonate rock
area with a N-S trending hematite-filled metric thickness contact between the Cretaceous and Miocene detrital facies
in Campanian limestone. Similarly, N-S dextral strike-slip consisting of an iron-poor sandstone with concentrations
faults cutting through the Cretaceous and even the Miocene below 35%. This level results from the ferruginization of
are observed in the eastern part of the deposit. cemented carbonate sandstones (Fig. 7a).
The iron ore deposit is located in the western flank of the The veins are not particularly economical as their thick-
Chaabet El Bellout syncline. The mineralization occurs in two ness rarely exceeds 0.5 m (Fig. 7b). They are oriented
forms: lenticular (ore clusters) and filling open spaces (veins). mainly from N060° to N090° with a relatively steep dip to
The lenticular clusters are metric and located in two the north. Their extension is plurimetric but their depth is
stratigraphic levels. The first level consists of white to limited. They follow the fracture planes affecting the Creta-
beige limestones of the Upper Cretaceous (Rudis 1964). ceous (Campanian) limestones and carbonate marls. Their
This mineralized level is Fe-rich with contents above 35%. distribution is particularly important in the central part of the
These clusters represent the main and most profitable min- deposit. This mineralization is then affected by later tecton-
eralization of this deposit. They are exploited due to their ics which results in E-W oriented reverse faults.

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Fig. 6  Different facies outcrop

at Chaabet El Bellout. (a)
Exploration gallery in a folded
Campanian limestone. (b)
Carbonate marl formation of the
Maastrichtian. (c) Photograph
illustrating the series inver-
sion in the western part of the
Chaabet El Bellout Fe-Mine. (d)
Miocene’s sandstone

Material and methodology samples and 7 different iron ore samples. The geochemical analy-
ses were performed at the ALS laboratory (Laboratory Group—
Several field missions were conducted to understand the rela- SL Seville, Spain).
tionship between the geological parameters of the study area The Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spec-
and the morphology, quality, color, and texture of the ore. From troscopy (ICP AES) method consists of preparing 0.1 g of
these observations, a relationship and dispersion of ore quality sample added to a lithium metaborate/lithium tetraborate
was established. A total of 50 samples were collected from dif- stream, well mixed and melted in an oven at 1000 °C. The
ferent ore bodies and host rocks throughout the deposit. resulting melt is then cooled and dissolved in 100 ml of 4%
These samples were the subject of a descriptive miner- nitric acid and 2% hydrochloric acid. The solution is ana-
alogical study, by carving about thirty polished sections for lyzed by ICP-AES and the results are corrected for spectral
the ore and twenty thin sections for the surrounding rocks, to interferences between elements. The oxide concentration
examine with a Carl Zies Axiolab Pol double function opti- is derived from the determined element concentration. If
cal microscope (natural light and reflected light). In addition, necessary, the total oxide content is determined from the
to identify and validate the mineral content, XRD was used concentrations of the ICP analysis and Losses on Ignition
at the CETIM Algeria laboratory. (L.O.I). A prepared sample (1.0 g) is placed in an oven at
Numerous samples were examined with a microscope and 1000 °C for one hour, cooled and then weighed and the per-
then scanned with the Tescan electron microscope in the Cer- centage of L.O.I. is calculated from the weight difference.
amines Agency laboratory (Dar El Beida Algeria). A total of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-
13 samples were analyzed by ICP-AES, including 6 host rock MS) (Minor Element Analysis) for each sample prepared

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 7 of 20 1766

Fig. 7  Morphology of the ore-

body at Chaabet El Bellout. (a)
Iron cluster (heap) hosted in the
carbonates of the Campanian
along a fractured zone. (b) Iron
vein hosted in beige Campanian
limestones, folded and fractured
after their deposition

by lithium borate ­(LiBO2/Li2B4O7) melt weighing 0.100 g Results

is added to the lithium metaborate/lithium tetraborate
stream, mixed well and melted in a furnace at 1025 °C. Mineralogy
The resulting melt is then cooled and dissolved in an acid
mixture containing nitric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric The main paragenesis of the Chaabet El Bellout minerali-
acids. This solution is then analyzed by inductively cou- zation, in all its forms, is relatively simple. It is marked by
pled plasma mass spectrometry. hematite as the main mineral in reddish to blackish clusters
Decomposition of samples by aqua regia (GEO-AR01) (Fig. 8a). Its texture is massive, veined, or boxed. When
or 4-acid (GEO 4ACID) is a finishing method for base it is massive, it occurs in large millimetric to centimetric
metals. Base metals and additional elements more appro- plates and in rare automorphic crystals. Iron carbonates
priately analyzed by acid digestion can be reported with represented by ankerite and siderite are generally found at
ME-MS81 either by aqua regia (ME-AQ81) or 4-acid depth (Halimi 2008; Kouzmine 1992). Brown siderite is pre-
digestion (ME-4ACD81). sent in residual deposits in the upper oxidized portion and
Four oxygen isotope analysis of iron samples was transformed to hematite (Fig. 8b). Goethite is often associ-
performed at Miller Hall Department of Geological Sci- ated with trace amounts of hematite and has a collomorphic
ences, Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada. character. The latter occurs as masses but rarely as druses
The ­O2 was extracted from approximately 5 mg of sample, or as well-crystallized orthorhombic crystals (Fig. 8c-e).
heated to 550–600 °C using the classical BrF5 procedure The pyrrhotite-pyrite-chalcopyrite association represents
of Clayton and Epstein (1961), and analyzed by double the signs of a high temperature paragenesis that crosses the
entry on a thermo-Finnigan Delta PlusXP isotope ratio iron mineralization and occurs along the N-S fault in the
mass spectrometer (IRMS). The 𝛿 18O values are reported center of the deposit.
in delta notation (δ) in permille units (‰) relative to the Pyrrhotite occurs as very small, microscopic, automor-
international standard Vienna Standard Mean Ocean phic grains identified by the hexagonal shape of their basal
Water (VSMOW), with an accuracy of 0.4‰. sections under the metallographic microscope Chalcopyrite

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Fig. 8  Hand specimen photographs of iron ores in Chaabet El Bellout mine. (a) Carbonated iron ore and oxide (ankerite-siderite–hematite). (b)
X-ray spectra of carbonated and iron oxide ore. (c, d) Massive hematite. (e) Limonite samples

occurs only with pyrrhotite. This mineral measures about composed of hematite and limonite clusters is also encoun-
25 μm and is often surrounded by copper alteration miner- tered, especially at the contact of the Upper Cretaceous lime-
als such as malachite, azurite, and covellite. Pyrite occurs as stones. In addition, other types of alteration structures such
small automorphic cubes of millimeter size. as vacuolar and vein structures (especially for secondary
Barite is difficult to identify with the naked eye. It is com- copper minerals) are observed (Fig. 9).
posed of fine white flakes, millimetric to centimetric, which Initially, a diagenetic phase marked by calcite precipitation
fills the cracks of the iron ore. It is often masked by the occurred and the first fluids arrived favoring their transfor-
green color of malachite, which contrasts with the dark color mation into ankerite and siderite. Then, a supergene hydro-
of iron. In addition, barite is often associated with copper thermal episode triggered the destabilization of siderite and
minerals and is found in fracture zones. Gray copper is the ankerite resulting in hematite through meteoric fluids from
most common metallic mineral in this paragenesis, which the surface. A second episode of higher temperature hydro-
is generally represented by the antimony pole (tetrahedral). thermal phase occurred with the deposition of sulfides such
It forms isolated replacement patches of a few centimeters, as pyrrhotite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite in small aggregates and
disseminated in the iron mass associated with barite. It is the minor release of sulfates and sulfosalts (barite and gray
also found in highly fractured and altered pseudo-spherical copper); the deposition and remobilization of pre-existing
millimetric grains in malachite and azurite. This mineral is mineral concentrations along fractures, notably sub-meridian.
often present in the eastern part of the mine. Calcite occurs The last late supergene hydrothermal phase caused the desta-
as massive to centimetric scalenohedral and rhombohedral bilization of gray copper and chalcopyrite to produce Pb-Sb
crystals. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis oxides and malachite, azurite, barite, and barite (Table 1).
revealed that the gray copper is destabilized into Pb-Sb
and Cu-Fe oxides presented respectively by delafossite Geochemistry
­(CuFe3O2) in small automorphic patches up to 100 μm and
rosiaite ­(PbSb2O6) (Pb-As) oxide. Host rocks
Several structures characterize this iron mineralization,
the most important being breccias, consisting of centimetric Six host rock samples were analyzed for major oxidized ele-
fragments of iron ore, and dolomitized carbonates embed- ment, trace element, and rare earth element (REE) geochem-
ded in calcite cement as small geodes. A massive structure istry (Table 2). These include two Campanian limestones

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 9 of 20 1766

Fig. 9  Microphotographs of
sulfide iron ores in Chaabet El
Bellout mine. (a) Barite and
altered sample of gray copper.
(b) Microphoto-graphic of gray
copper. (c) Microphotographic
of sulfide (pyrrhotite-chalcopy-
rite and hematite). (d) SEM pic-
ture of copper and antimonies
oxide (delafossite and rosiaite)

Table 1  Paragenetic sequence Mineral Hydrothermal 1 Hydrothermal 2 Supergene

of ore, gangue and supergene
minerals in the Chaabet El Calcite F
Bellout deposit Ankerite R
Siderite A
Magnetite C
Hematite T
Goethite U
R
Limonite
A
Pyrrhotite
T
Pyrite
I
Chalcopyrite O
Grey copper N
Barite
Delafossite
Rosiaite
Malachite
Azurite

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Table 2  Major (wt%). trace Sample ID Cretaceous rocks Miocene rocks

and rare earth element (ppm)
contents of the Chaabet El CEB 1 CEB11 CEB29 CEB 3 CEB9 CEB 41
Bellout rocks. CEB1: fine black
marl; CEB11: white limestone Major elements (%)
pelitomorphic bench-stratified; ­SiO2 26,1 6,18 3,36 58,5 49,3 55
CEB29: white limestone ­Al2O3 7,67 2,38 0,67 1,31 14,9 8,75
fossiliferous concoidal breack;
CEB3: brown sandstone with ­Fe2O3 1,89 1,39 1,04 0,76 5,58 20,2
carbonate cement, slightly CaO 33,9 50 52,5 21 9,44 2,64
altered; CEB9: fine black MgO 0,41 0,18 0,57 0,14 1,45 1,07
schitified clay; and CEB41: ­Na2O 0,04 0,02 0,01 0,03 0,2 0,05
green amphibole sandstone
­K2O 0,27 0,12 0,11 0,09 2,58 3,42
­Cr2O3 0,015 0,004 < 0,002 0,47 0,018 0,11
­TiO2 0,43 0,11 0,04 0,08 0,75 0,21
MnO 0,05 0,07 0,06 0,02 0,04 0,11
­P2O5 0,23 0,07 0,04 1,15 0,28 0,95
SrO 0,18 0,14 0,09 0,17 0,05 0,02
BaO 0,01 0,02 < 0,01 < 0,01 0,01 0,02
LOI 28,33 39,9 41,7 16,35 13,05 7,82
Total 99,5 100,58 100,19 99,65 97,65 100,37
Trace elements (ppm)
Ba 67 164 15,6 31 115 143
Cr 100 30 10 340 130 800
Cs 6,06 1,96 0,55 0,51 51,1 22
Ga 10 3,6 1,8 2,6 20,1 20,1
Hf 1,6 0,5 0,2 1,9 5,1 3,2
Nb 7,5 1,9 1,2 5,1 17,8 6
Rb 16,1 5,4 3,4 3,6 128 175,5
Sn 8 <1 <1 <1 2 2
Sr 1640 1250 755 1590 570 277
Ta 0,6 0,1 < 0,1 0,1 0,9 0,2
Th 4,1 1,16 0,45 1,99 10,1 9,04
U 9,13 1,23 4,27 9,86 3,14 4,22
V 104 37 17 17 108 185
W 3 1 1 2 2 2
Y 11,2 8,5 7,8 32,4 19,4 37
Zr 55 15 7 77 184 105
Ag 1,1 0,6 0,5 0.5 1,3 0,5
As 105 63 36 31 364 65
Cd < 0,5 < 0,5 < 0,5 0.5 < 0,5 < 0,5
Co 11 4 2 4 11 14
Cu 183 14 57 40 20 13
Li 1390 370 40 170 230 180
Mo 3 <1 1 1 3 1
Ni 32 13 7 6 44 31
Pb 62 9 24 20 34 11
Sc 8 3 1 3 12 22
TI < 10 < 10 < 10 10 < 10 < 10
Zn 38 33 36 15 37 23
REE (ppm)
Ce 30,8 11,2 5,4 36,9 73,9 126,5
Dy 1,95 1,17 0,94 4,81 4 8,27
Er 1,16 0,65 0,53 2,66 2,22 3,5

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 11 of 20 1766

Table 2  (continued) Sample ID Cretaceous rocks Miocene rocks

CEB 1 CEB11 CEB29 CEB 3 CEB9 CEB 41

Eu 0,71 0,35 0,38 1,4 1,12 2,93

Gd 2,51 1,31 1,08 5,79 4,43 12,05
Ho 0,39 0,21 0,19 0,91 0,75 1,39
La 17,1 6,8 4,7 18,4 35,7 44,3
Lu 0,17 0,09 0,07 0,3 0,32 0,35
Nd 15,5 6,1 4,2 22,6 31,9 60,8
Pr 3,74 1,49 0,93 5,12 8,19 14,6
Sm 2,71 1,44 1,04 5,43 6,02 14,1
Tb 0,33 0,18 0,17 0,82 0,65 1,58
Tm 0,16 0,08 0,06 0,31 0,33 0,41
Yb 1,07 0,57 0,47 2,27 2,18 2,57
Total REE 86.96 36.79 28.95 116.41 176.03 297.37
LREE 73.17 28.69 17.73 95.64 161.26 275.28

and a blackish shaly marl (CEB11, CEB29, and CEB1), a content compared to average, especially for CEB1 and
Miocene carbonate sandstone, black clay, and amphibole CEB11 (1640–1250 ppm) and a low to medium level for
green sandstone (CEB3, CEB9, and CEB41). CEB29 (750 ppm). Ba content is high in CEB11 (165 ppm)
The limestone rocks of Chaabet EL Bellout (CEB11 and and depleted in CEB1 and CEB29 (67–15.6 ppm).
CEB29) are marked by a CaO content ranging from 50% to The analyzed limestone and marl samples show low
52.5% and LOL content ranging from 39.9 to 41.7% due to depletion of ferromagnesian trace elements such as Co, Cr,
high calcite concentration. Major elements in these lime- Ni, and V. High field strength elements (HFSE) such as Zr,
stones range between 5.9% and 10.52% due to their non- Y, Nb, Hf, Th, and U are present in low concentrations in
CaO-Lol composition (= ­SiO2 + ­Al2O3 + ­Fe2O3 + ­TiO2 + M these carbonates. In addition, the total REE content in the
nO + MgO + ­Na2O + ­K2O + ­P2O5). The S ­ iO2 and F
­ e2O3 con- carbonate rock samples is relatively moderate, ranging from
tents vary between 3.36% and 6.18% and 1.04% and 1.39%, 28.95 to 36.79 ppm, while it reaches 86.96 ppm in the marl
respectively. Small fluctuations are recorded in the ­Al2O3 samples.
(0.67 to 2.38%), T
­ iO2 (0.4–0.11%), and MgO (0.18–0.58) In sandstone and clay samples from the Miocene, ­SiO2
contents. The results indicate a negative correlation between concentrations are low, ranging from 55 to 58.5% for sand-
­SiO2 and CaO (correlation coefficient r =—0.58) suggesting stones (CEB 41 and CEB 3) and 49.3% for black clays
that both elements do not originate from the same source. (CEB9). ­Al2O3 contents are high in clays (14.9%) and low in
The silica originates from siliclastic sediments (Armstrong- green amphibole sandstones (8.75%) and sandstones (1.31%)
Altrin et al. 2003) while CaO originates from carbonate compared to the CCU. The latter shows a CaO content of
cements associated with variation in carbonate contribution 21% suggesting that these sandstones are carbonate. Also,
in high carbonate deposits (Bakkiaraj et al. 2010; Einsele the green amphibole sandstones are more ferriferous with
et al. 1991). 20.2% of ­Fe2O3 content. In addition, the concentrations of
MnO content is very moderate (0.06–0.07%) as is the MgO, ­Na2O, ­K2O, ­TiO2, MnO, and P ­ 2O5 are generally low,
alkaline element N ­ a2O + ­K2O (0.12–0.14%). It is noted varying, respectively, from 0.14 to 1.45%, 0.03 to 0.2%, 0.09
that the ­NaO2 content is lower than 0.05%, which sug- to 3.42%, 0.08 to 0.21%, 0.02 to 0.11%, and 0.28 to 1.15%.
gests a freshwater supply (El Hefnawi et al. 2010). The low K2O content ranges from 2.58 to 3.42% in black clays
MgO concentration (average 0.50%) and high CaO con- and green amphibole sandstones, respectively. The overall
centration indicate a low dolomitization rate (Temur et al. low concentrations of ­Fe2O3 and ­TiO2 in carbonate sand-
2009). However, in the blackish shale marl, we recorded an stones. However, black clays and amphibole sandstone
average CaO content of 33.9%, LOL of 28.33%, a higher record a higher content of those two major elements ­(Fe2O3
­SiO2 content of 26%, and an average ­Al2O3 content of and ­TiO2). The contents of Large-Ion Lithophile Elements
7.67%. For the remaining major elements ­Fe2O3-MgO- (LILE) such as Ba, Sr, Rb, Ba, and Th in sandstones and
­Na2O-K2O-P2O5-MnO-TiO2, the values average or lower black clays range from 31 to 143 ppm, 277 to 1590 ppm, 3.6
than are 1.89–0.41%, 0.31–0.43%, 0.23–0.05%, and to 175.5 ppm, and 1.99 to 10.1 ppm, respectively. This rock
0.18–0.43%, respectively. The trace element contents (green amphibole sandstone) presents several trace element
of these carbonates are variable; we note a fairly high Sr anomalies (higher than average content for elements such as

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Cr-Ba-Rb (800–143-175 ppm). The overall RRE content is Data analysis indicates a significant enrichment of light
also high compared to all other samples at 286.27 ppm, with rare earth elements compared to heavy rare earth elements
a dominance of LRE at 275.28 ppm. with an average of 86% and a LREE/HREE ratio of 6.23. It
should be noted that all Chaabet El Bellout Fe ore samples
Iron ore share similar PAAS normalized REE signatures (Pourmand
et al. 2012), with a pronounced enrichment of light rare earth
A geochemical analysis of the Chaabet El Bellout ore elements compared to heavy rare earth elements. This is
bodies was conducted to determine the distribution pat- confirmed by the La/Yb PAAS ratio, which varies between
tern of iron with associated trace elements. All geochemi- 0.1 and 0.81 (mean = 0.46). All samples show positive Eu
cal data of major, trace, and REE elements are reported PAAS anomalies ranging from 0.13 to 2.00 (average Eu/Eu
in Table 3. The elements, particularly ­Fe2O3, reach very * = 1.32) and Y PAAS (Y/Y * = 1.3).
high values ranging from 63.9% to 83.1%. Dark colored
hematite (CEB24 and CEB40) is the most abundant min- Stable isotope
eral occurring as clusters in the Cretaceous facies. In con-
trast, the lowest concentration of iron ore with high S ­ iO2 Table 4 reports the oxygen stable isotope data performed
content (18.44%) is recorded in sample CEB21 (hosted on four (04) magnetite samples separated by different
in a Miocene sandstone), but with low values of A ­ l 2O 3, types of iron ore. The δ 18O‰ isotope ratio values are
­K2O, CaO, MgO, ­TiO2, and P ­ 2O5. However, two samples negative (-0.6‰) for sample CEB50 and positive for the
present high levels of ­Al2O3 (CEB21: 2.32% and CEB50: other three: CEB24 (0.4‰), CEB17 (1.3‰), and CEB40
4.53%) indicating a detrital contribution but their low (1.6‰) represent experimental calculation curves per-
­TiO 2 content indicates a trivial contamination (Ndime formed on oxygen isotope fractionation of iron oxides
et al. 2008). A significant CaO content is reported in (hematite, magnetite, and mirmite) in equilibrium with
CEB60 with 5.84%. hydrothermal fluids (Clayton and Epstein 1961; Cole
In an iron deposit, it is necessary to examine the dis- et al. 2004). The δ 18O values of iron oxides vary dur-
tribution of ­Fe2O3 content relative to other major oxides ing hydrothermal alteration because it involves mixing
(Fatiou et al. 2019). In this study, ­Fe2O3 presents nega- between oxygen from iron oxides and oxygen supplied
tive correlations with S
­ iO2 (r = -0.94), ­Al2O3 (r = -0.43), by the fluid (Thorne et al. 2009). Oxygen isotope analysis
MgO (r = -0.56), ­Na2O (r = -0.06), ­K2O (r = -0.71), ­TiO2 on magnetite from the Mariela IOA deposit revealed a
(r = -0.48), and ­P2O5 (r = -0.35) and positive correlations δ18O value of 1.49 ± 0.04 ‰ and on the Mineville IOA a
with MnO (r = 0.12) and CaO (r = 0.14). This negative δ18O value of -0.79 ± 0.03 ‰. The δ18O values of the El
correlation between iron and silica and alumina is associ- Laco magnetite range from 4.00 ± 0.10 ‰ (LCO-39) to
ated with hematite and goethite, while silica and alumina 4.34 ± 0.10 ‰ (LCO vein) while that of the Kiruna deposit
are reflected by the presence of quartz and a clay portion is 1.76 ± 0.25 ‰ (n = 2) (Bilenker et al. 2016; Johnson
(Koteswara et al. 2011). et al. 2013; Nyström et al. 2008; Rhodes and Oreskes
The Fe ore presents low content of metals such as (Cd, 1999). The moss-type magnetites from the Bafq district
Co, Cr, Cu, Hf, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Rb, Ta, Th, U, V, W, Zn, (Iran) have lower oxygen isotopic values (δ18O: -0.45 to
and Zr), except for sample CEB24 indicating significant and 0.44‰) than the massive magnetite (δ18O: 2.87 to 5.27‰)
abnormal values of Cu (5340 ppm), Ag (90 ppm), and As (Mehdipour Ghazi et al. 2019). Thus, the δ18O values of
(1060 ppm), respectively, and sample CEB50, which con- the three Chaabet El Bellout samples (CEB17, CEB24,
tains high concentrations of V (190 ppm), Mo (107 ppm), and CEB40) are consistent with the data recorded in the
Ni (95 ppm), and Zn (174 ppm). On the other hand, sample Kiruna deposit. In sample CEB50, the δ18O value is close
CEB60 contains a higher concentration of Ba (898 ppm) and to that of the Mineville deposit.
Sr (202 ppm) compared to other samples. The δ18O contents of the studied Chaabet El Bellout
The correlation coefficients calculated between Fe deposit are plotted in the diagram of Nyström et al. (2008)
and trace elements revealed a relatively good correlation and compared with the oxygen isotopic contents obtained
between Fe and Cr, Nb, Th, U, V, Y, Mo, Sc, Sn, W, and Li, on magnetite in some studied deposits. The results of the
and a weak correlation between Fe and Ba, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, δ18O measurements in the Chaabet El Bellout magnetite
Zr, Hf, Rb, Ta, and Tl. However, a negative correlation was samples are consistent with those found in the IOA mag-
observed with Ni. netite deposits of the Chilean Iron Belt and IOA of the
The total REE content of the ore samples is relatively Kiruna district (i.e., Kiruna and Rängesberg). They are
low ranging from 8.1 ppm (CEB24) to 59.2 ppm for sample also in excellent agreement with moss-type magnetites
CEB50 and the average REE content is about 25.65 ppm. from the Bafq deposit (Iran). All samples have a δ18O value

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 13 of 20 1766

Table 3  Major (wt%) trace Sample ID CEB 6 CEB 17 CEB 21 CEB24 CEB 40 CEB50 CEB 60
and rare earth element (ppm)
contents of the Chaabet El Major elements (%)
Bellout iron ore. CEB6: iron
­SiO2 4 5,24 18,45 4,44 3 8,58 2.66
ore, hematitic-limonitized,
CEB17: veinular iron medium ­Al2O3 0,62 1,02 2,32 0,2 0,84 4,53 0.79
rich, CEB21: iron ore medium ­Fe2O3 78,9 76,3 63,9 82,8 83,1 76,9 79.3
rich silicified that crosses CaO 0,54 0,34 0,42 0,37 0,53 0,1 5.84
the sandstone levels of the
MgO 0,31 0,31 0,4 0,28 0,21 0,11 0.23
Miocene, CEB24: black iron
ore from NS fractures contains ­Na2O 0,01 0,02 0,02 < 0,01 < 0,01 0,08 0.06
malachite muchetures, CEB40: ­K2O 0,06 0,19 0,42 < 0,01 0,07 0,49 0.07
black iron ore contains small ­Cr2O3 0,002 0,002 0,04 0,003 0,003 0,008 < 0,01
barite beaches, CEB50: medium
­TiO2 0,03 0,05 0,13 0,01 0,04 0,23 0.04
to rich iron red ore, and CEB60:
red-brown iron ore from the MnO 1,62 1,5 1,57 1,78 1,8 0,1 1.38
east part of the deposit near the ­P2O5 0,01 0,03 0,2 0,01 0,01 0,55 0.05
Trias Cretaceous limit SrO 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 < 0,01 0.01
BaO 0,04 0,02 0,05 0,01 0,1 0,03 0.1
LOI 14 13,55 12,15 10,4 9,98 7,47 11.3
Total 100,15 98,58 100,04 100,31 99,69 99,09 101.83
Trace elements (ppm)
Ba 345 198 394 89,8 823 247 898
Cr 10 20 30 10 20 50 30
Cs 0,61 0,84 2,21 0,29 0,45 1,82 0.57
Ga 3,8 4,2 5,5 3,7 3,8 10,2 1.8
Hf 0,3 0,3 1,8 0,4 0,2 1,1 0.2
Nb 1 0,9 2,6 0,1 0,7 4,6 1
Rb 2,1 6,5 14,8 1,5 1,9 25,7 2.8
Sn <1 <1 1 <1 <1 1 1
Sr 114 118 150 144,5 106,5 27,4 202
Ta 0,1 < 0,1 0,1 < 0,1 < 0,1 0,2 0.1
Th 1,64 0,55 1,83 0,15 0,43 5,89 0.44
U 1,62 2,22 2,03 1,45 0,79 9,42 1.42
V 17 42 35 5 29 190 20
W 13 1 2 2 1 33 <1
Y 9,2 12,1 7,5 5,5 8,4 11,1 7.3
Zr 14 8 60 11 5 37 7
Ag 0,5 2,1 < 0,5 91,1 4 36,1 3.6
As 5 26 97 1060 264 885 104
Cd < 0,5 < 0,5 0,6 1,7 0,7 < 0,5 < 0.5
Co 4 1 3 <1 <1 12 1
Cu 12 105 27 5340 549 158 24
Li 80 40 70 10 120 < 10 60
Mo 1 2 2 <1 <1 107 <1
Ni <1 1 16 <1 1 95 3
Pb 11 4 14 5 582 25 18
Sc 1 2 5 <1 2 6 1
TI < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10
Zn 32 8 17 169 32 174 130
REE (ppm)
Ce 5,4 8,4 9,3 1,7 4 22,9 5.4
Dy 1,38 1,9 1,26 0,88 1,31 2,38 0.99
Er 0,68 1,11 0,85 0,74 0,93 1,19 0.68
Eu 0,66 0,53 0,42 0,09 0,3 0,52 0.39
Gd 1,74 1,91 1,45 0,5 1,16 2,35 1.07

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Table 3  (continued) Sample ID CEB 6 CEB 17 CEB 21 CEB24 CEB 40 CEB50 CEB 60

Ho 0,24 0,39 0,26 0,21 0,28 0,44 0.26

La 3,9 5 5,1 1,1 2,4 11,8 4.4
Lu 0,08 0,12 0,14 0,12 0,11 0,16 0.08
Nd 4,2 5,4 4,7 1,1 2,4 10,8 3.7
Pr 0,9 1,14 1,14 0,24 0,56 2,78 0.79
Sm 1,42 1,7 1,26 0,37 0,88 2,25 0.92
Tb 0,26 0,32 0,21 0,12 0,19 0,39 0.19
Tm 0,07 0,16 0,14 0,12 0,11 0,17 0.1
Yb 0,59 0,83 0,81 0,81 0,78 1,07 0.45
Total REE 21.5 28.91 27.04 8.1 15.41 59.2 19.42
LREE 18.22 24.08 23.37 5.1 11.7 55.4 16.65
Eu/Eu * 2 1.42 1.47 0.13 1.36 1.07 1.77
Ce/Ce* 0.66 0.81 0.89 0.76 0.79 0.92 0.66

Geochemical implications
Table 4  Results of oxygen δ18O isotope in magnetite
Samples Description Δ18O‰ Host rocks
CEB17 Iron from vein 1.3
CEB24 Black iron ore 0.4 The negative correlation between S ­ iO2 and CaO on all sam-
CEB40 Black iron ore 1.6 ples (correlation coefficient r =—0.58) indicates that the two
CEB50 Iron red ore -0.6 (2) elements are probably from different sources. Silica is
from siliclas sediments (Armstrong-Altrin et al. 2003) while
CaO is from carbonate cements, consistent with the variable
contribution of carbonates in deposits with high carbonate
below 2‰ corresponding to the limit that differentiates content (Bakkiaraj et al. 2010; Einsele et al. 1991). The low
orthomagmatic (igneous) magnetite from base-temperature concentration of MgO (average of 0.50%) and high concen-
hydrothermal magnetite (Taylor et al. 1967). tration of CaO in the carbonates indicate low dolomitization
rates (Temur et al. 2009).
The high silica content compared to other detrital oxides
(alumina) in carbonate rocks is associated with the presence of
Discussion either biogenic intra-basinal silica or pure quartz grains (Figari
et al. 2015; Kennedy et al. 1998), confirming the low clay and
Mineralogical implications authigenic mineral content in limestones (Temur et al. 2009).
It is noted that N
­ aO2 content is below 0.05% suggest-
The morphology of mineralized clusters and veins hosted ing freshwater input (El Hefnawi et al. 2010) in all ana-
in Cretaceous to Miocene formations clearly indicates epi- lyzed facies. K ­ 2O content increases with the presence of
genetic mineralization. The primary mineral paragenesis feldspathic and micaceous minerals in Miocene detrital
is marked by siderite found in deep mineralized levels facies (CEB3, CEB9, and CEB41) (Ciccioli et al. 2020).
intersected by drill in 2017 and detected by XRD. Due to High field strength elements (HFSE) such as Zr, Y, Nb,
hydrothermal-metasomatic solutions, alteration of sider- Hf, Th, and U are present in small concentrations in Cre-
ite to hematite occurred under different pH and tempera- taceous carbonates, indicating that these elements are
ture–pressure (Otake et al. 2007). The low siderite content known to be resistant to weathering (Bhatia and Crook
of this metasomatic Fe ore is also considered to be of early 1986; Feng and Kerrich, 1990).
diagenetic origin and supports the very high metasoma- The depletion of REE in Cretaceous rocks is probably
tism as well. In addition, the presence of minor dolomite due to low clay fraction content in the studied limestones.
and ankerite is the result of siderite replacing primary Indeed, REEs are easily captured in clays (McLennan et al.
diagenetic calcite (Klein and Beukes 1993). The massive 1989). However, the low concentrations may result from
metasomatic iron ore formed as a result of hematization dilution of REE by carbonate minerals (Armstrong-Altrin
of the primary siderite ore after a late arrival of saline or et al. 2003). Er/Nd ratios (mol/mol) in Cretaceous limestone
hydrothermal metasomatic fluids during diapiric ascent. samples range from 0.10 to 0.12 and are close to the Er/Nd

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Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766 Page 15 of 20 1766

ratio (0.27) of normal seawater (De Baar et al.1985) and et al. 2008). This result is consistent with the significant
higher than that of marl at 0.07. Furthermore, the (La/Yb) Sr enrichment in these samples.
PAAS ratio of Cretaceous rocks varies between 0.75 and The overall low concentrations of ­Fe2O3 and ­TiO2 in
1.13 (La/Yb) s = 0.91 and n = 3, which is close to the average carbonate sandstones reflect the scarce titaniferous bio-
value of carbonate sediments in the Arabian Sea (0.8 ± 0.2) tiotite, ilmenite, titanite, and magnetite (Armstrong-Altrin
(Nath et al. 1997). This suggests a shallow marine environ- et al. 2003). However, black clays and amphibolic sand-
ment with low REE fractionation. stones record a higher content of those two major ele-
In addition, Eu values are important for understand- ments ­(Fe2O3 and ­TiO2), which indicates a ferromagnesian
ing the physicochemical conditions of different carbonate enrichment. This green amphibole sandstone presents sev-
depositional environments (Derry and Jacobsen 1990). eral trace element anomalies (higher than average content
The Eu/Eu * ratio of carbonate samples ranges from 1.22 for elements such as Cr-Ba-Rb (800–143-175 ppm) and
to 1.73 (Fig. 10a) and indicates a positive Eu anomaly REE content is also high compared to all other samples,
likely due to enrichment in detrital feldspar (Abedini and which indicates a significant participation of the magmatic
Calagari 2015; Armstrong-Altrin et al. 2003; Thomsen levels in the deposit process of this facies.

Fig. 10  PAAS normalized

REE patterns of samples from
Chaabet El Bellout Mine. (a)
Host rock and (b) iron ore.
PAAS values were taken from
Taylor and Mclennan (1989)

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The ­SiO2/Al2O3, ­Na2O/K2O, and F ­ e2O3/K2O ratios of the plagioclase feldspar (albite) and that these sediments are
Miocene carbonate sandstone and amphibole sandstone are very mature, which is consistent with CRI values (Wronk-
6.28–44.65, 0.001–0.33, and 5.9–8.44, respectively. These iewicz and Condie 1987).
values are consistent with the Fe-sand in the geochemi-
cal classification diagram of Herron (1988). In addition, Iron ore
the high Sr content reported in the clays and sandstones
indicates that Sr may be directly related to calcite miner- The high iron content and depletion of silica and other major
als (Baiyegunhi et al. 2017), which is consistent with the elements such as ­K2O-Na2O and REE indicate a relatively
mineralogical study. pure chemical precipitation of iron ore. The high CaO and
The Miocene rocks show T ­ iO2 and Zr values below 0.75% low MgO values confirm the moderate presence of com-
and 185 ppm, respectively, and indicate their igneous rock mon carbonates such as calcite, dolomite, and ankerite in
origin. This origin is further confirmed by the low ­TiO2 the massive ore (CEB6-CEB17 and CEB21).
˃0.75% and Ni ˃44 ppm values. This is consistent with XRD The high A ­ l2O3 content in some samples (CEB21 and
data that indicate the presence of actinote and zeolite in the CEB50) indicates a detrital contribution but their low T ­ iO2
Miocene facies and suggest a magmatic contribution during content reveals trivial contamination (Ndime et al. 2008).
the sedimentation process. The negative correlation between iron and silica and
The AIC value reflects the ratio of original/primary min- alumina confirms the enrichment and ferruginization of the
erals to secondary products such as clay minerals and pro- carbonate levels compared to a depletion of the latter in the
vides information on the rock’s alteration degrees. Indeed, detrital levels of Miocene age.
during the alteration process, Ca, K, and Na elements are According to the mineralogical study, ferruginization is
transported upwards and thus deplete the bedrock (Nesbitt related to hematite and goethite, while silica and alumina
et al.1997). The AIC is determined as follows: are reflected in the presence of quartz and a clay portion
(Koteswara et al. 2011).
ACI = Al2 O3 ∕ Al2 O3 + CaO∗ + Na2 O + K2 O ∗ 100
[ ( )]
The projection of these data in the Si versus Fe binary
discrimination diagram indicates that ore samples lie at the
where CaO * is the content of CaO incorporated in the
boundary of hypogenic and hydrothermal ores, except sam-
silicate fraction. This value is calculated using the method
ple CEB50 that falls in the field of volcanic origin minerali-
of Mclennan (1993): CaO * (CaO * = CaO—10/3 × ­P2O5).
zation. Iron ores can be classified according to their F ­ e 2O 3
Black clays and amphibole sandstones present very high
content (Dobbins and Burnet 1982). The Chaabet El Bellout
AIC values (56.89 and 74.82%, respectively) indicating
ore is considered poor according to the classification of with
intense alteration. Facies with lower values include the less
a total Fe content lower than 58%. However, according to
weathered Miocene carbonate sandstones and Cretaceous
Dill et al (2009), the average total iron content of a good Fe
carbonate rocks (AIC less than 18.65%). The compositional
ore is between 30 and 65%.
variation index (CVI) is used to determine the alteration
The high Ba content in some samples (CEB6 and CEB21)
intensity, maturity, and predominant climatic conditions
is consistent with barite occurrence. Similarly, the relatively
of the sediments related to the presence of clay minerals
high Sr, Li, and Ba contents in host rock samples (CEB1
(Cox et al. 1995). The CVI is high for minerals with higher
and CEB11) are associated with barite in some of the car-
alteration rates and low for more stable minerals (less altered
bonate samples. The Cu, As, and Sb contents in some of
minerals) (Baiyegunhi et al. 2017). This index is derived as
the iron ore samples (notably CEB24) are explained by the
follows:
presence of gray copper in an extremely fractured zone that
CVI = (Fe2 O3 + K2 O + Na2 O + CaO + MgO + MnO)∕Al2 O3 was transformed into malachite, azurite, or oxide carbonates
(delafossite, rosiaite) at a late stage.
If CVI > 1%, the sediment composition is immature and The samples indicate a negative Ce anomaly. On the other
deposited in an active tectonic environment. However, when hand, oxygenated marine waters display a strong negative Ce
CVI < 1, the sediment composition is mature and deposited anomaly when normalized to PAAS, unlike anoxic waters.
in a cratonic tectonic environment (Baiyegunhi et al. 2017). Thus, oxidation of C ­ e3+ significantly reduces Ce solubility
All Cretaceous and Miocene sedimentary rocks display CVI and allows removal of Mn-Fe oxyhydroxides, clay particles,
values greater than 1. Accordingly, the Miocene black clays and organic matter.
and amphibole sandstones record the lowest values, ranging It should be noted that in an oxidizing environment, C ­ e3+
from 1.29 to 3.14, while the Cretaceous facies range from is transformed to C +
­ e4 and removed from seawater (Yang
4.76, to 81.02, indicating the least mature and tectonic envi- et al.2015). The positive Ce anomaly in hematite ores is
ronment of all these rocks. In addition, the K
­ 2O/Na2O ratio related to the reduction of ­Ce+4 to C­ e+3 due to its low mobi-
ranges from 3 to 68.4, suggesting that K-feldspar dominates lization during the mineral formation.

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High Sr concentrations in Cretaceous and Miocene facies formed at the base by precipitation from a hydrothermal
from Chaabet El Bellout indicate deposition in an evaporated (Knipping et al. 2015) or by crystallization from a silicate
marine sedimentary basin where Sr enrichment is coupled melt (Bilenker et al. 2016; Childress et al. 2016; Knipping
with Ba depletion, which is rarely expressed mineralogi- et al. 2015; Weis and Troll 2013). However, the positive δ18O
cally by barite. REE are good tracers of origin and deposi- values (+ 0.6 to + 1.3‰ VSMOW) may suggest the implica-
tion of iron concentrations (Bau and Dulski 1996; Bekker tion of isotopically altered seawater in hypersaline brines. This
et al. 2010; Klein and Beukes 1993). Measurements of REE δ18O enrichment is probably related to exchange reactions
spectra indicate a positive Eu anomaly in iron ore samples, with deep marine carbonates of Triassic and Cretaceous age.
suggesting that lower temperature fluids are involved in the The pale orange box (δ18O = 6.6–7.3‰) represents mag-
enrichment of iron and other elements (Michard et al.1993). netite in equilibrium with silicate magma with a δ18O of 10‰.
The Eu anomaly may indicate a volcanic origin. It can The vertical dashed line denotes the cutoff point between
be caused by several processes, namely, possible seawater magnetite derived from silicate magma or magma-hydrother-
infiltration simultaneous to ore formation (Elderfield and mal fluid, which in both cases would yield a δ18O > 0.9‰, and
Greaves 1982), oxidation at different scales (De Baar et al. with low-temperature hydrothermal fluid with a δ18O < 0.9‰
1988), or by diagenetic alteration (Fig. 10b). (Johnson et al. 2008; Johnson et al. 2013).
The δ 18O contents of the studied Chaabet El Bellout
Isotope implications deposit are plotted in the diagram of Nyström et al. (2008)
and compared with oxygen isotopic contents obtained on
The results of oxygen isotope analyses performed on four magnetite in some deposits studied (Fig. 11). The results
magnetite samples indicate values ranging from 0.4 to 1.6 of δ18O measurements in magnetite samples from Chaabet
‰. However, only one negative δ18O value was recorded El Bellout are consistent with those found in IOA mag-
(-0.6‰ VSMOW) while the other three (03) are positive. This netite deposits from the Chilean Iron Belt and IOA from
is explained by an inverse relationship between isotopic frac- the Kiruna district (i.e., Kiruna and Rängesberg). They
tionation and temperature as isotopic fractionation is recorded are also in excellent agreement with moss-type magnetites
when temperature decreases resulting in a depletion of heavy from the Bafq deposit (Iran). All samples display a δ18O
oxygen isotope δ18O (Bouzenoune and Lécolle 1997). Fur- value below 2‰ corresponding to the limit that distin-
thermore, δ18O values below 2‰ suggest late metasomatic guishes orthomagmatic (igneous) magnetite from base-
alteration post-mineralization that affected the magnetite temperature hydrothermal magnetite (Taylor et al. 1967).

Fig. 11  Oxygen isotope (δ18O)

values for magnetite from
Chaabet El Bellout orebodies
compared to those for other
iron oxide deposits (adapted
from Jonsson et al. 2013). Pink
box (δ18O = 1–4‰) is range for
orthomagmatic magnetite (Tay-
lor 1967). Red box (δ.18O = 2.2–
2.6‰) represents magnetite in
equilibrium with mid-ocean
ridge basalt (MORB)

13
1766 Page 18 of 20 Arab J Geosci (2022) 15:1766

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This phase includes a geochemical insertion of elements the Eastern Cape Province.South Africa. Minerals7(6):doi:https://​
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Raoult JF and JF R (1974) Geologie du centre de la chaine numidique Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds
(nord du Constantinois, Algerie) exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the
Rhodes AL, Oreskes N (1999) Oxygen isotope composition of mag- author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted
netite deposits at El. Laco, Chile evidence of formation from manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of
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