A silica optical fiber is provided, which contains a pure-silica core and a cladding layer formed on the pure-silica core, wherein the pure-silica core contains a C element and has a content of elements belonging to the third period-the seventh period of the periodic table, except Si element that constitutes the quartz structure, of not more than 100 ppm. The present invention can provide a silica optical fiber superior in the resistance to high energy electromagnetic waves such as UV light and .gamma.-rays.