Ferrous ions are positively charged ions of iron, specifically represented as Fe^2+. They are formed when iron loses two electrons and are commonly found in various compounds, such as iron(II) sulfate and iron(II) chloride. Ferrous ions play a crucial role in biological systems, particularly in the transport of oxygen in hemoglobin. In addition to their biological significance, ferrous ions are important in industrial applications, including the production of steel and other alloys. They can also participate in redox reactions, making them useful in processes like water treatment and chemical synthesis.