A coring method and apparatus is provided for extracting a core sample from a subterranean formation and/or drilling a hydrocarbon well, the coring apparatus having: a pneumatic reciprocating hammer having a first end for operatively connecting the pneumatic reciprocating hammer to a drill string, a second end having a hammer bit and a reciprocating piston for reciprocating the hammer bit; and a coring member operatively connected to the pneumatic reciprocation hammer, the coring member comprising an impact anvil and a hollow coring barrel forming an internal longitudinal chamber for accommodating the core sample, the coring barrel positioned below the impact anvil; whereby when the hammer bit strikes the impact anvil, the coring barrel is driven into the formation and the core sample is extracted into the internal longitudinal chamber of the coring barrel.