Iron sulfate is a chemical compound made up of iron, sulfur, and oxygen, commonly found in nature as the mineral melanterite. It appears as a greenish or yellowish crystalline solid and is often used in various applications, including agriculture and water treatment. In agriculture, iron sulfate serves as a soil amendment to correct iron deficiencies in plants, promoting healthy growth. It is also utilized in the production of ferrous sulfate, which is important in the manufacturing of pigments and as a reducing agent in chemical processes.