Thread: Meerschaums

I've just found a large collection of used (lightly) meerschaums being sold off piece by piece for a reasonable price on TradeMe (the New Zealand version of EBay). There's at least 3 in a shape and style that I like, however I wondered if any people on here had experience with meerschaums and could tell me whether it's worth buying one or not.

Specifically, I'm curious with regards to:
-ease of care (are they sturdy and resistant to chipping? Will reaming them hard result in major damage to the inside of the bowl?)
-ease of smoking (do they go out more or less than a briar or corncob?),
-ease of handling (I've been told you should hold them in leather when using them, to prevent skin oils from colouring them unevenly, and to protect against the heat - is it true they get very hot, and is the leather necessary or just one of those optional affectations?).

I realise these answers will vary pipe to pipe, but I'm after a broader picture (i.e general answers for the majority of meerschaums, rather than regarding a specific style or maker of pipes), since I hope to buy at least 2 of these pipes to add to my collection. Many thanks to any gents who can help me out with information by Tuesday (when the items in question close).
Cheers,
Tom