Department of Chemistry, Fuel & Metallurgy, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Bihar Manuscript received 31 October 1972; accepted 26 December 1972 Silica gels of different densities were prepared by mixing sodium silicate and sulphuric acid solutions at different pH values, varying maturation time of the gel and controlling the pH of the maturation medium. Effects of the rates of drying were also studied. Effects on the mechanical strength of the gel beads on subsequent heat treatment of the dried beads were noted. Water absorption capacity and pore size determination was done according to I.S.I. specifications. Indicator addition was tried in the (a) acid mix, (b) silicate mix, (c) wet gel and (d) dried beads, and the most effective method was found out. Effect of copolymerization with alumina and Boron trioxide was qualitatively studied. A discussion on the existing literature and recent patents is also included in this paper.