A superabrasive containing layered composite is provided which comprises a substrate block consisting of either ceramic material and metallic or several metallic materials, and a superabrasive containing body adjacent said substrate block. The superabrasive contains superabrasive particles, and a metallic ingredient which is distributed in the superabrasive containing layer, including a working surface. The superabrasive material may be formed using a compression cell wherein the compression cell comprises a die defined by a vertical wall and a flat closed bottom. Placed in the die, in order from bottom upward, comprises a formed pallet of single body or layers of mixed powder forming a refractory compound, a material mass of a working layer containing diamond particles, a mass of ignition material comprising an SHS composition, and an electrical heating element.