A device and method for identifying solid and powdered materials use near-infrared reflection spectroscopy combined with multivariate calibration methods for analysis of the spectral data. Near-infrared reflection spectroscopy is employed within either the 700-1100 nm or the 900-1700 nm wavelength range to identify solid or powdered materials and determine whether they match specific known materials. Uses include identifying solid and powdered materials with a fast measurement cycle time of about 2 to 15 seconds and with a method that requires no sample preparation, as well as quantitative analysis to determine the concentration of one or more chemical components in a solid or powdered sample that consists of a mixture of components. A primary application involving identification analysis verification of the identify and purity of powdered materials used for fabricating drug tablets and capsules for quality control purposes.