Diamond Anvil (IMAGE) Terry Collins Assoc Caption A tiny "diamond anvil" pressure cooker was used in Lyon, France to produce hydrogen at remarkable speed. Enclosed between diamonds -- Earth's hardest material -- and within a tiny space about the width of a pencil lead (shown in the center of the image), scientists applied very high pressure and 200-300 degrees C heat to a mixture of aluminum oxide, water and the mineral olivine. Hydrogen was produced overnight instead of over weeks, as expected. Credit Herve Cardon, University of Lyon-1 Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.