Sodium Silicate

[paulsutton]

Hi

I would like to have a go at growing crystals with Water Glass, or Sodium Silicate,  NaSiO_3   IIRC,   As I don't have any to hand,  I do have small bags of Silica Gel that you get in shoe boxes for example.

Is this the same substance, and is this water soluble .  In which case is this a case of fill a small container with water and place the gel in to dissolve it..

I am guessing this is yes,  but just asking. 

Thanks

Paul