The invention is a method for simulating sandstone deposition. The sandstone is simulated by estimating the grain size distribution and mineral composition of grains in the sandstone, simulating sedimentation of grains from the grain size distribution and mineral composition of the grains, simulating compaction of the grains, and simulating cementation of the grains. Properties of the sandstone such as porosity and permeability may be estimated from the simulated sandstone. The method permits multiple mineralogies to be simulated during the burial history of sedimentation, compaction and cementation.