How are Artificial diamonds made?

Diamond is formed in nature from graphite beneath the earth crust by the action of extreme heat and pressure. Artificial diamonds are made by mimicing the natural process by applying intense heat and pressure on graphite in the presence of iron as catalyst. A pressure of up to 1,00,000 kg per sq. cm. is applied and an electric furnace is used for heating the compressed mixture up to 2500°C. On cooling, the molten mass contains, tiny artificial diamonds firmly surrounded by iron. The iron is dissolved in acid leaving behind the diamonds. Compared to the natural diamonds artificial diamonds are tiny. They usually find use in industry for making, grinding and cutting wheels and drilling bits.