The Hebrew noun algummim (also almuggim in 1 Kings) refers to a precious, fragrant wood imported from Ophir and used by Solomon for the temple, for pillars in the palace, for musical instruments — harps and lyres. The wood's exact identification is debated (sandalwood, juniper, or red sandalwood are proposed).
The algummim trees represent the very best of creation's resources conscripted for the worship of God. Solomon spared no expense or effort — even importing extraordinary materials from distant Ophir — to construct a dwelling worthy of the Most High. Yet God would later declare through the prophets that He does not dwell in temples made by human hands (Acts 7:48). The glory of the temple pointed beyond itself to the Word made flesh who 'tabernacled among us' (John 1:14). No wood, however rare, captures His beauty.