At room temperature gallium(III) telluride is an odorless, black, brittle crystalline solid and is a semiconductor of the III-VI type that crystallizes in a lattice structure.

[3] At room temperature, gallium(III) telluride is a black, odorless, brittle crystal.

[4] The crystal is not immediately reactive or flammable, though serious protective ware should be worn while handling this compound (see toxicity).

It is converted in the body to dimethyl telluride which imparts a garlic-like odor to the breath and sweat.

Heavy exposures may, in addition, result in headache, drowsiness, metallic taste, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, convulsions, and respiratory arrest.