In printmaking, what does a stone plate produce?

A stone plate in printmaking is specifically associated with the lithographic process. Lithography is based on the principle that oil and water do not mix. In this method, the artist draws on a flat stone surface with a grease pencil or similar oily medium. The stone is then treated with a chemical solution that makes the drawn areas attract ink, while the non-image areas repel ink. When paper is pressed against the stone, the ink from the drawn areas transfers to the paper, resulting in a lithograph.

This connection between the stone plate and lithography is what makes this answer the correct one. The other printmaking techniques mentioned involve different materials and processes: etching uses metal plates with acid to create designs, screen printing employs a mesh to transfer ink onto surfaces, and woodcut involves carving into wood blocks to produce images. Each of these methods has its unique characteristics and materials, distinguishing them from lithography and the use of a stone plate.