Abstract: A method for analyzing a spectral signature of a compound specimen is provided. The method includes illuminating a compound specimen with a light in a predetermined spectrum; obtaining a spectral signature of the compound specimen, the spectral signature including at least one light property of a plurality of wavelengths in the spectrum transmitted through the compound specimen; extracting characterizing features of the spectral signature, the characterizing features being light properties of predetermined wavelengths within the spectrum; and comparing the characterizing features with corresponding features stored in a database, the corresponding features are corresponding properties of an expected spectral signature of a specimen including an examined substance.