Labradorite, moonstone and sunstone are all gem varieties of feldspar. These materials are best known for the visual effects that occur as light is reflected from the internal features of the gems.
The V&A owns an important collection of 154 gems bequeathed by the Reverend Chauncy Hare Townshend, a cleric and poet. Sir A. H. Church gave additional specimens, including this one, in 1913. He also compiled the first catalogue Precious Stones: A Guide to the Townshend Collection. The first edition appeared in 1883. The stones are mounted as rings, although they may not have been intended to be worn.