These are a pretty solid piece of chalk, and extremely fine. While I've seen a couple of very small edges chip off, it's less than other brands that I've tried. That said, it's quite easy to get enough chalk off within a few seconds, and easily enough to coat my hands without going after it time after time. Thickness is somewhere near 1.5" and well suited for anything in a workout routine except for maybe climbing. I hold onto kettlebells and dumbbells up to 50# and don't need to recoat partway through 3-4 sets.
Other knurled products like maces and clubs will remove some of this off your hands and coat the knurling, but only to the extent where it's visible, not where it affects the knurling. I've been using this multiple times a day now for a couple of months and haven't even begun to work my way through the first brick… probably last me a year or so and I can see the entire package lasting 3-5 years. Overall, this is a VERY good value for the money.
As for the fairer gender and people who might have softer hands, don't be afraid that this is gritty. It's about the consistency of talcum powder but in a brick format. It's very comfortable to use without giving up any convenience or effectiveness.
I can't attest to what happens if you drop it but while it would probably dust some and make a few more corner chips, I don't think it would break. However, as I use this around the house and don't want chalk to end up in other places, my brick is kept in a Rubbermaid container with a snap on lid.