Emerald and Pearl EarringsEmeralds are unique among gemstones because their surfaces are very resistant to scratches but the crystal lattice that makes up the gem is susceptible to fracturing from impacts. For this reason, an emerald with no cracks visible to the naked eye is classified as flawless even if there are flaws that can be identified using magnification. Emeralds are named after the Vulgar Latin words esmaralda and esmaraldus which translate roughly to a green gem.