This species is rather average to small in size, the two specimens measuring respectively 4 and 5.3 mm in length. Solid, high in shape. When seen from above, the outline is broad, but perfectly oval. When seen from aside, one sees that the base is a little convex. The shape of the shell is high, and the apex is bent backwards, even more than the backside of the shell. Below the apex, the back of the shell, when seen from aside, is convex. The slit is short, even very short compared to most members of the genus. The selenizone is remarkable, as it is not incised in the shell, but it consists of a row of raised knobs. When seen from aside, this makes the upper periphery looking like covered with regular pearls. The shell of the holotype is thick, the one of the paratype thin, we think it concerns two adults, but the paratype is definitely younger than the holotype. The periphery of the shell, when seen from the base is crenulate, and follows extensions where the big radiating ribs end. 36 and 38 big radiating ribs can be seen in the types. They are crossed by many concentric ribs, and form small knobs where the crossing happens, in between remain small depressions. The paratype is likely collected alive and the holotype likely collected dead. The dead condition allows us to see an impression in the shape of a circle around the selenizone. Also a thick smooth zone close to this ending of the selenizone appears and there is a dark line running to the umbo, on the interior of the dead shell, going to the apex. We refer again to the photos for a general understanding of shapes, sculptures and coloration.

We here compare E. circumalbum n. sp. with other Indo-Pacific Emarginula species with which it was confused in the past, or that bear some similarities. The raised beads on the selenizone, and the general appearance, limit the comparison, as the conchological features of E. circumalbum n. sp. are unique and remarkably strong. For the sake of completenes we compare with the closest relative:
* Emarginula undulata Melvill & Standen, 1903
This species has about the same shape, but seen from aside, the slope is more gentle on the side of the selenizone, ends sharper. The periphery is convex in E. undulata, convex in E. circumalbum n. sp. Seen from above, the oval outline in E. undulata is much more elongate, and the apex does not go so far over the periphery on the back. The E. circumalbum n. sp. is also remarkably smaller and has a thicker shell in the adult stage. Compare photos for a clear understanding and interpretation of these differences.

TYPE LOCALITY: Philippines. Mactan Island. Maribago. 500 m.
Only known from the holotype and one paratype. The paratype was collected in 250 m offshore Had-san, Mactan Island. So, the species is only known from a very small stretch of coast on the east of Mactan Island, between 250 and 500 m.