Ferrous
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Ferrous is an adjective derived from the Latin word ferrum (iron). The term is commonly used to indicate the presence of, or having to do with, iron, most commonly in metallurgy or related industries.
[edit] Chemistry
In chemistry, ferrous is reserved for iron with oxidation number of +2 (denoted Fe2+), whereas ferric indicates that it has oxidation number of +3 (denoted Fe3+). Current IUPAC nomenclature specifies Iron (II) in place of the term ferrous in chemical names.
Ferrous oxide (FeO) is black in color and the main constituent of the mineral wüstite. Ferrous compounds are easily oxidized further to ferric compounds.
[edit] Other uses
Ferrous in non-chemical contexts is a general adjective for iron. For example, referring to "ferrous metallurgy" includes the production of metallic iron, including wrought iron (commercially pure iron, with less than 0.2% carbon), cast iron (with 3.5-5% carbon), steel (with a carbon content between them), or other alloying elements.
It is common for ferrous materials to be highly magnetic, although not all of them are. Different types of iron and steel are more or less magnetic. High-chromium stainless steel is nearly non-magnetic, while pure iron tends to form magnets easily. Some impurities allow iron to retain its magnetism longer than pure iron magnets.