Photoluminescent silica flakes were newly synthesized from silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) by reflux in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) without the use of any surfactants or other additives. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity was remarkably enhanced with microwave treatment. The morphology of dispersible solutes was 144 +/- 16 nm flakes. It was also clarified that DMF was coordinated on the surface of the flakes and that it influences the dispersion of flakes in both aqueous and organic solvents.