We report here the results of nanoparticle-catalyzed synthesis of a variety of silica nanocoils (SiNCs) under similar growth conditions to those of making regular straight silica/silicon nanowires (SiNWs). Synthesis of individual SiNCs with alternating coiled and straight segments was achieved with cobalt nanoparticle catalysts at alternating temperatures. In addition, a variety of SiNCs, including multiple SiNCs sharing the same nanoparticle catalyst, SiNC double helices, and individual SiNCs with varying pitches and diameters were made.