The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing elemental analysis of a formation fluid downhole. The present invention provides elemental analysis of a formation fluid downhole using breakdown spectroscopy. In one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus are provided for performing laser induced breakdown on a formation fluid sample is provided. In another aspect of the invention a method and apparatus are provided for performing spark induced breakdown spectroscopy. Plasma is induced in a fluid under test downhole. Emissions from the plasma are analyzed to determine the elemental composition of the fluid under test. Emissions include but are not limited to light in the ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared regions of the spectrum. A spectrometer is provided for elemental analysis of a fluid downhole. Elemental analysis yields information about the fluid and the formation from which the fluid originated.