Silica is a white crystalline compound. Silica Gel is an amorphous form of silica with a gelatin-like quality. Silica gel contains many fine pores and is therefore an effective absorber of water. As such it is often deployed around sensitive equipment to reduce humidity. It is generally kept in small cloth bags near objects on display or in storage that are prone to damage from excess moisture. These are the little bags of granular material we often see packaged with electronic and/or musical equipment. When saturated, it can be dried by heating. Sometimes color-coded particles are added which change color when the gel has become saturated.