As I understand Silica Gel, it collects moisture. It doesn't make it go away.
It absorbs, not into the matrix of the crystal, but into the pores on the surface of the structure.
What I am saying is don't put the silica gel inside the lens cap because it's like laying a little pillow of water on your lens. Keep it in the case/box with the scope but, and here's the thing most people don't do: throw it out and replace it with new packs every now and then. Alternatively you can dry it out at a low temp in the oven and let it return to room temp and use it again. But eventually replace it.
I also don't know if 'moist' Silica Dioxide reacts with the coatings on the lens, or some component of the lens glass itself.
Good luck, I hope it is superficial and cleans off easily.
Although it doesn't look like tropical fungi, if it cleans off then check closely to make sure the coatings aren't damaged. It will appear as changes in the colouration where the problem 'thing' was. Don't try to clean it with more pressure. Rather return it for inspection to the dealer or an optical expert. It may need re-coating to bring it back to as new. Although visually you may not notice it and find it quite usable.
Trevor
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silica_gel
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