"Ferrous" refers to iron in its +2 oxidation state, which means it has lost two electrons. This term is often used in chemistry to describe compounds and minerals that contain iron, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous oxide. Ferrous materials are typically magnetic and are important in various industrial applications, including construction and manufacturing. In contrast to ferrous, the term "ferric" refers to iron in its +3 oxidation state. Ferrous compounds can easily oxidize to ferric compounds when exposed to oxygen. Understanding the difference between ferrous and ferric is crucial in fields like geology and metallurgy, where the properties of iron significantly impact material behavior and usage.