Brown hematite is another term for goethite, which is a common iron oxide mineral. It is typically brownish-yellow to reddish-brown in color, and it often forms in soil and weathered rock. Goethite is an important ore of iron, and it is also used as a pigment in paints, ceramics, and other applications. It has a variety of other uses as well, including as a catalyst in chemical reactions and as a component in some batteries.