A method for formation properties prediction in near-real time may include obtaining lab measurements of existing drill cuttings at a plurality of depths of a first well. The method may include obtaining historical drilling surface data at the plurality of depths from a plurality of wells. The method may include obtaining real-time digital photos and real-time drilling surface data of new drill cuttings at a new depth of a new well. The method may include generating, using a prediction model, predicted formation properties of the new drill cuttings based on the real-time digital photos, the real-time drilling surface data, and the new depth. The method may include predicting, using a near-real-time model and the predicted formation properties, near-real-time formation properties in the new well, wherein the prediction model comprises a historical model that employs a machine-learning algorithm.