One of the common uses of silica gel is in merchandise packaging to keep out moisture. The substance is packaged in small packets with the warning "do not eat."
Initially silica gel was used in World War I gas masks. It helped to absorb vapors and moisture.
Silica gel can be used by crafters to dry flowers. Cut flowers are placed in the gel, and moisture is drawn out.
The substance is a desiccants with many commercial uses. It is used in cat litter, to dry leather, preserve food, remove humidity and to dry air in compressed air systems.
Silica gel is used as a stationary phase in chromatography. Chromatography is a chemical process to separate mixtures.