The present invention provides a downhole sample tank and a plurality of
micro sample chambers. The micro sample chambers can have at least one
window for introduction of visible, near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared
(MIR) and other electromagnetic energy into the tank for samples
collected in the micro sample chamber downhole from an earth boring or
well bore. The window is made of sapphire or another material capable of
allowing electromagnetic energy to pass through the window. The entire
micro sample chamber can be made of sapphire or another material capable
of allowing electromagnetic energy to pass another material enabling
visual inspection or analysis of the sample inside the micro sample
chamber. The micro sample chamber enables immediate testing of the sample
on location at the surface to determine the quality of the sample in the
main sample tank or to enable comprehensive testing of the sample.