Garavellite occurs in polished sections, as small aggregates, up to 200 µm across, of anhedral crystals, usually in direct contact with tetrahedrite, Sb-rich bismuthinite, chalcopyrite, and siderite. Chemical formula Fe_0,80Cu_0.02Sb_1.13Bi_0.78As_0.01S₄ on the basis of S = 4, or ideally FeSbBiS₄.

The mineral has an orthorhombic unit cell with a = 11.439, b = 14.093, c = 3.754 Å, Z = 4; calculated density 5.64 gm/cm³. Important diffraction lines are 14.00 (m) 010, 7.08 (m) 020, 3.62 (vs) 230, 3.49 (m) 040, 3.34 (m) 320, 3.20 (vs) 121, 3.10 (m) 201, 2.98 (s) 240, 2.89 (s) 221, 2.63 (vs) 311, 2.51 (vs) 250, 2.16 (m) 421, 1.677 (m) 312. In reflected light it is grey with a brown-olive tint similar to that of tetrahedrite. Bireftectance is distinct and anisotropism is also strong, from yellowish-green to bluish grey. Vickers hardness (50 g load) 212–22 kg/mm². Reflectance in air: 470 nm R₁ = 33.5−34.7%, R₂ = 40.5– 42.8%; 546 nm 32.8–34.7%, 40.2–42.0%; 589 nm 32.6– 33.7%, 39.3–41.0%; 650 nm 32.4–34.6%, 38.4–41.0%.

The mineral and name have been approved before publication by the Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names, IMA.

Frigidite, the so-called nickel-bearing variety of tetrahedrite found at this locality, is shown to be an intergrowth of tetrahedrite and Ni-bearing minerals.