Silica gel is a “desiccant,” which means that it’s used to keep things dry. Silica gel is made from silicon dioxide — a compound naturally found in sand — and has small particles that can absorb large amounts of water.

However this is unique about silica gel in that it is not a gel, nor will it dissolve in most liquids. It has a tendency to absorb water and other liquids instead of dissolving in them. If you add silica gel in water it will absorb water around up to 40% of its weight in water.

Silica gel is a desiccant known for its great moisture-adsorbing capabilities. Silica gel consists of silicon dioxide and is shaped as small, porous beads. Silica gel is available in different types and sizes, making it a versatile desiccant capable of application across a wide range of industries. Its primary role is to adsorb moisture, preventing it from damaging the surrounding environment or products.

Unlike regular silica gel (known as bulk, or non-indicating silica gel), indicating silica gel is enhanced with color-changing indicators. These indicators, typically either cobalt chloride or methyl violet, change color as the silica gel saturates with moisture. This visible change serves as an effective moisture detection mechanism, providing a clear visual indication of when the silica gel needs to be replaced or recharged.

Orange indicating silica gel appears orange or yellow in color when dry and transitions to green as the desiccant progressively saturates with moisture (to about 30% by weight).

In addition, orange silica gel is a non-toxic, pollution-free desiccant that will meet the needs of environmentally conscious companies. This orange silica gel can be used in many applications where visual control of moisture is required, such as in compressed air dryers, breathers, and for protection of non‐consumable packaged goods, as well as drying and storing flowers and seeds. That said, orange silica gel should not be used in direct contact with products that are intended for consumption, such as food and pharmaceuticals.

Blue indicating silica gel is a bead or granule that has been washed with a concentration of cobalt chloride (a heavy metal salt). The cobalt chloride is a deep-blue color when dry and transitions from blue to pink as the desiccant saturates.

Blue silica gel can be used in many of the same applications as orange silica gel; however, due to the addition of the moisture indicator (cobalt chloride), blue silica gel should not be used in direct contact with products intended for consumption, such as food or pharmaceuticals.