Other than the fact you're not supposed to eat it (has it ever actually occurred to anyone to do so?), what do you know about silica gel? We're usually instructed to throw away these little packets we find in the pockets of new clothing, vitamins, and beef jerky. Silica gel is a "desiccant" (fancy word of the day), or moisture removing agent (ever used Damp Rid products and wondered what those little crystals are?) Thus these packets can be quite handy in a number of ways, especially in the humid South. Pop a few in your jewelry box to impede sterling silver from tarnishing and costume jewelry from turning.